THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


'I  SAW  HIM  GASP,  REEL,  AND  FALL." 


WILD  WESTERN  SCENES: 


A  NARRATIVE 


or 


in  tfje  fflSEestrai 


THE  EITLOITS  OF  DANIEL  BOONE,  THE  GREAT  AMERICAN  PIONEER 
ARE  PARTICULARLY  DESCRIBED 

r 

ALSO, 

\CCOUNTS  OF   BEAR,  DEER,  AND  BUFFALO  HUNTS— DESPERATE  CONFLICTS 

vV'ITH  THE  SAVAGES— WOLF  HUNTS— FISHING  AND  FOWLING 

ADVENTURES— ENCOUNTERS  WITH  SERPENTS,  ETC. 


MEW  STEREOTYPE  EDITION,  ALTERED,  REVISED,  AND  CORRECTED 


BY  J.   B.    JONES. 

AUTHOR  OF  "  THK  WAS,  PATH,"  "  ADVENTUBES  OF  A  COUNTRY  MERCHANT,"  IN. 


f  Ilosirateb  foitlj  Sktetn  dngrabings  from  ©rigtnal  ^esi 


JTJ         T  "•  VT>  77* 1"  ^W^f  lr^  ^  T^     ^  Sr        f*l  (\ 
•    x>.    ill  .r  Jr  I  n iJ \>  1 1     oc    C'l/. 

1875. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1866,  b» 

J.  B.  JONES, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


BTEEEOTTPED   BT  L.  JOHNSON  ft  00. 
PHn.ATiF1.PHTA- 


rs 


PREFACE. 


WHEN  a  work  of  fiction  has  reached  its  fortieth  edition,  one 

would   suppose   the   author   might   congratulate   himself   upon 

having  contributed  something  of  an  imperishable  character  to 

&  tne  literature  of  the  country.     But  no   such   pretensions  are 

tJ>   asserted   for  this   production,   now    in    its    fortieth    thousand. 

>-    Being  the  first  essay  of  an  impetuous  youth  in  a  field  where 

CSC 

££  giants  even  have  not  always  successfully  contended,  it  would 
29  be  a  lash  assumption  to  suppose  it  could  receive  from  those 
who  confer  such  honors  any  high  award  of  merit.  It  has  been 
^  before  the  public  some  fifteen  years,  and  has  never  been  reviewed. 
^.  Perl  aps  the  forbearance  of  those  who  wield  the  cerebral  scalpels 
™  may  not  be  further  prolonged,  and  the  book  remains  amenable  to 
2  the  judgment  they  may  be  pleased  to  pronounce. 

To  that  portion  of  the  public  who  have  read  with  approbation 
BO  many  thousands  of  his  book,  the  author  may  speak  with 
§  greater  confidence.  To  this  class  of  his  friends  he  may  make 
&  disclosures  and  confessions  pertaining  to  the  secret  history  of  the 
o  "Wild  Western  Scenes,"  without  the  hazard  of  incurring  their 
j.j  displeasure. 

Like  the  hero  of  his  book,  the  author  had  his  vicissitudes  in 
U  boyhood,  and  committed  such  indiscretions  as  were  incident  to 
one  of  his  years  and  circumstances,  but  nevertheless  only  such 
as  might  be  readily  pardoned  by  the  charitable.  Like  Glenn,  he 
submitted  to  a  voluntary  exile  in  the  wilds  of  Missouri.  Hence 
the  description  of  scenery  is  a  true  picture,  and  several  characters 
in  the  scenes  were  real  persons.  Many  of  the  occurrences  actually 
transpired  in  his  presence,  or  had  been  enacted  in  the  vicinity  at 


4  PREFACE. 

no  remote  period ;  and  the  dream  of  the  hero — his  visit  to  the 
haunted  island — was  truly  a  dream  of  the  author's 

But  the  worst  miseries  of  the  author  were  felt  when  his  work 
was  completed  j  he  could  get  no  publisher  to  examine  it.  He 
then  purchased  an  interest  in  a  weekly  newspaper,  in  the 
columns  of  which  it  appeared  in  consecutive  chapters.  Tho 
subscribers  were  pleased  with  it,  and  desired  to  possess  it  in  a 
volume;  but  still  no  publisher  would  undertake  it, — the  author 
had  no  reputation  in  the  literary  world.  He  offered  it  for  fifty 
dollars,  but  could  find  no  purchaser  at  any  price.  Believing  the 
British  booksellers  more  accommodating,  a  friend  was  employed 
to  make  a  fair  copy  in  manuscript,  at  a  certain  number  of  cents 
per  hundred  words.  The  work  was  sent  to  a  British  publisher, 
with  whom  it  remained  many  months,  but  was  returned,  accom 
panied  by  a  note  declining  to  treat  for  it. 

Undeterred  by  the  rebuffs  of  two  worlds,  the  author  had  his 
cherished  production  published  on  his  own  account,  and  was 
remunerated  by  the  sale  of  the  whole  edition.  After  the  tardj 
Bale  of  several  subsequent  editions  by  houses  of  limited  influence, 
the  book  had  the  good  fortune,  finally,  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  gigantic  establishment  whose  imprint  is  now  upon  its  title- 
page.  And  now,  the  author  is  informed,  it  is  regularly  and 
liberally  ordered  by  the  London  booksellers,  and  is  sold  with  an 
increasing  rapidity  in  almost  every  section  of  the  Union. 

Such  are  the  hazards,  the  miseries,  and  sometimes  the  rewards, 
of  authorship. 

J.  B.  J. 

BURLINGTON,  N  J.,  March,  1856. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  L 

Pin 

Gienn  and  Joe — Their  horses — A  storm — A  black  stump — A  rough 
turn  ore — Moaning — Stars — Light — A  log  fire — Tents,  and  some 
thing  to  eat — Another  stranger,  who  turns  out  to  be  well  known — 
Joe  nas  a  snack — He  studies  revenge  against  the  black  stump— 
Boone  proposes  a  bear  hunt 9 

CHAPTER  II. 

Boone  hunts  the  bear — Hounds  and  terriers — Sneak  Punk,  the 
hatchet-face — Another  stump — The  high  passes — The  bear  roused 
— The  chase — A  sight — A  shot — A  wound — Not  yet  killed — His 
meditations — His  friend,  the  bear — The  bear  retreats — Joe  takes 
courage — Joe  fires — Immense  execution — Sneak — The  last  strug 
gle — Desperation  of  the  bear — His  death — Sneak's  puppies — Joe  19 


CHAPTER  III. 

Glenn's  castle — Mary — Books — A  hunt — Joe  and  Pete — A  tumble— 
An  opossum — A  shot — Another  tumble — A  doe — The  return — 
They  set  out  again — A  mound — A  buffalo — An  encounter — Night 
— Terrific  spectacle — Escape — Boone — Sneak — Indians 83 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  retreat — Joe. makes  a  mysterious  discovery— Mary — A  disclo 
sure — Supper — Sleep — A  cat — Joe's  flint — The  watch — Mary — 
The  bush — The  attack — Joe's  musket  again — The  repulse — The 

starting  rally — The  desperate  alternative — Relief... 48 

1*  • 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

MM 

strange  excursion — A  fairy  scene — Joe  is  puzzled  acd  fright 
ened—A  wonderful  discovery— Navigation  of  the  upper  regions — 
A  crash — No  bones  broken 66 


CHAPTER  VI. 

hunt — A  deer  taken — The  hounds — Joe  makes  a  horrid  discovery 
— Sneak — The  exhumation 77 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Doone — The  interment — Startling  intelligence — Indians  about — A 
skunk — Thrilling  fears — Boone's  device 87 


CHAPTER  VHI. 

Night — Sagacity  of  the  bounds — Reflection — The  sneaking  savages 
— Joe's  disaster-  The  approach  of  the  foe  under  the  snow — The 
silent  watch 99 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Sneak  kills  a  sow  that  "was  not  all  a  swine" — The  breathless  sus 
pense — The  match  in  readiness — Joe's  cool  demeanour — The  match 
ignited — Explosion  of  the  mine — Defeat  of  the  savages — The  cap 
tive — His  liberation — The  repose — The  kitten — Morning Ill 


CHAPTER  X. 

The  dead  removed — The  wolves  on  the  river — The  wolf  hunt — Gum 
fetid — Joe's  incredulity — His  conviction — His  surprise— His  pre 
dicament — His  narrow  escape 126 


CHAPTER  XL 

Mary — Hei    meditations — Her   capture — Her   sad   condition — Her 
mental  sufferings — Her  escape — Her  recapture 139 


CONTENT*. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

FAB1 

joe's  indisposition — His  cure — Sneak's  reformation — The  pursuit — 
The  captive  Indian — Approach  to  the  encampment  of  the  savages 
— Joe's  illness  again — The  surprise — The  terrific  encounter — Res 
cue  of  Mary — Capture  of  the  young  chief — The  return 164 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  return — The  young  chief  in  confinement — Joe's  fun — His  re 
ward — The  ring — A  discovery — William's  recognition — Memories 
of  childhood — A  scene — Roughgrove's  history — The  children's  pa 
rentage 169 


CHAPTER  XTV. 

William's  illness — Sneak's  strange  house — Joe's  courage — The  bee 
hunt — Joe  and  sneak  captured  by  the  Indians — Their  sad  condi 
tion — Preparations  to  burn  them  alive — Their  miraculous  escape  185 


CHAPTER  XV. 
Glenn's  History 20S 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Balmy  Spring — Joe's  curious  dream — He  prepares  to  catch  a  fish — 
Qlenn — William  and  Mary — Joe's  sudden  and  strange  appear 
ance — La-u-na,  the  trembling  fawn — The  fishing  sport — The 
ducking  frolic — Sneak  and  the  panther 22« 

CHAPTER  XVn. 

The  bright  morning — Sneak's  visit — Glenn's  heart — The  snake  hunt 
— Love  and  raspberries — Joe  is  bitten — His  terror  and  suffer 
ings — Arrival  of  Boone — Joe's  abrupt  recovery — Preparations 
to  leave  the  West — Conclusion ...  24J 


WILD  WESTERN  SCENES 


A  NARRATIVE  OF  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Glenn  and  Joe — Their  horses — A  storm — A  black  stump — A  rough 
tumble — Moaning — Stars — Light — A  log  fire — Tents,  and  something 
to  eat — Another  stranger,  who  turns  out  to  be  well  known — Joe  has 
a  snack — He  studies  revenge  against  the  black  stump — Boone  pro 
poses  a  bear  hunt. 

"  Do  you  see  any  light  yet,  Joe  ?" 

"Not  the  least  speck  that  ever  was  created,  except  the 
lightning,  and  it's  gone  before  I  can  turn  my  head  to  look 
at  it." 

The  interrogator,  Charles  Glenn,  reclined  musingly  in  a 
two-horse  wagon,  the  canvas  covering  of  which  served  in 
some  measure  to  protect  him  from  the  wind  and  rain.  His 
servant,  Joe  Beck,  was  perched  upon  one  of  the  horses, 
his  shoulders  screwed  under  the  scanty  folds  of  an  oil-cloth 
cape,  and  his  knees  drawn  nearly  up  to  the  pommel  of  the 
saddle,  to  avoid  the  thumping  bushes  and  briers  that  occa 
sionally  assailed  him,  as  the  team  plunged  along  in  a  stum 
bling  pace.  Their  pathway,  or  rather  their  direction,  fo' 
there  was  no  beaten  road,  lay  along  the  northern  bank  of 
the  "  Mad  Missouri,"  some  two  hundred  miles  above  the 
St.  Louis  settlement.  It  was  at  a  time  when  there  were 
no  white  men  in  those  regions  save  a  few  trappers,  traders, 
and  emigrants,  and  each  new  sojourner  found  it  convenient 
to  carry  with  him  a  means  of  shelter,  as  housep  of  any 
description  were  but  few  and  far  between. 


10  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

Our  travt tilers  had  been  told  in  the  morning,  when  set 
ting  out  from  a  temporary  village  which  consisted  of  a  few 
families  of  emigrants,  with  whom  they  had  sojourned  the 
preceding  night,  that  they  could  attain  the  desired  point 
by  making  the  river  their  guide,  should  they  be  at  a  loss 
to  distinguish  the  faintly-marked  pathway  that  led  in  a 
more  direct  course  to  the  place  of  destination.  The  storm 
coming  up  suddenly  from  the  north,  and  showers  of  hail 
accompanying  the  gusts,  caused  the  poor  driver  to  incline 
his  face  to  the  left,  to  avoid  the  peltings  that  assailed  him 
80  frequently ;  and  the  drenched  horses,  similarly  influenced, 
had  unconsciously  departed  far  from  the  right  line  of  march ; 
and  now,  rather  than  turn  his  front  again  to  the  pitiless 
blast,  which  could  be  the  only  means  of  regaining  the  road, 
Joe  preferred  diverging  still  farther,  until  he  should  find 
himself  on  the  margin  of  the  river,  by  which  time  he  hoped 
the  storm  would  abate.  At  all  events,  he  thought  there 
would  be  more  safety  on  the  beach,  which  extended  out  a 
hundred  paces  from  the  water,  among  the  small  switches 
of  cotton-wood  that  grew  thereon,  than  in  the  midst  of  the 
tall  trees  of  the  forest,  where  a  heavy  branch  was  every 
now  and  then  torn  off  by  the  wind,  and  thrown  to  the  earth 
with  a  terrible  crash.  Occasionally  a  deafening  explosion 
of  thunder  would  burst  overhead ;  and  Joe,  prostrating 
himself  on  the  neck  of  his  horse,  would,  with  his  eyes  closed 
and  his  teeth  set,  bear  it  out  in  silence.  He  spoke  not, 
save  to  give  an  occasional  word  of  command  to  his  team,  or 
a  brief  reply  to  a  question  from  his  master. 

It  was  an  odd  spectacle  to  see  such  a  vehicle  trudging 
along  at  such  .an  hour,  where  no  carriage  had  ever  passed 
before.  The  two  young  men  were  odd  characters  ;  the 
horses  were  oddly  matched,  one  being  a  little  dumpy  black 
pony,  and  the  other  a  noble  white  steed ;  and  it  was  an 
odd  whim  which  induced  Glenn  to  abandon  his  comfort 
able  home  in  Philadelphia,  and  traverse  such  inclement 
wilds.  But  love  can  play  the  "  wild"  with  any  young  man. 
Yet  we  will  not  spoil  our  narrative  by  introducing  any  of  it 
here.  Nor  could  it  have  been  love  that  induced  Joe  to 
share  his  master's  freaks ;  but  rather  a  rare  penchant  for 
the  miraculous  adventures  to  be  enjoyed  in  the  western  wil 
derness,  and  the  gold  which  his  master  often  showered  upon 
him  with  a  reckless  hand.  Joe's  forefathers  were  from  the 


A   NARRATIVE.  13 

Isle  of  Erin,  and  although  he  had  lost  the  brogue,  ne  still 
retained  some  of  their  superstitions. 

The  wind  continued  to  blow,  the  wolves  howled,  the  light 
ning  flashed,  and  the  thunder  rolled.  Ere  long  the  little 
black  pony  snorted  aloud  and  paused  abruptly. 

"What  ails  you,  Pete?"  said  Joe  from  his  lofty  position 
on  the  steed,  addressing  his  favourite  little  pet.  "Get 
along,"  he  continued,  striking  the  animal  gently  with  his 
whip.  But  Pete  was  as  immovable  and  unconscious  of  the 
lash  as  would  have  been  a  stone.  And  the  steed  seemed 
likewise  to  be  infected  with  the  pony's  stubbornness,  after 
the  wagon  was  brought  to  a  pause. 

"Why  have  you  stopped,  Joe?"  inquired  Glen. 

"  I  don't  hardly  know,  sir ;  but  the  stupid  horses  won't 
budge  an  inch  farther  !" 

"Very  well;  we  can  remain  here  till  morning.  Take 
the  harness  off,  and  give  them  the  corn  in  the  box;  we  can 
sleep  in  the  wagon  till  daylight." 

"But  we  have  no  food  for  ourselves,  sir ;  and  I'm  vastly 
hungry.  It  can't  be  much  farther  to  the  ferry,"  continued 
Joe,  vexed  at  the  conduct  of  the  horses. 

"Very  well ;  do  as  you  like ;  drive  on,  if  you  desire  to 
do  so,"  said  Glenn. 

"  Get  along,  you  stupid  creatures  !"  cried  Joe,  applying 
the  lash  with  some  violence.  But  the  horses  regarded  him 
no  more  than  blocks  would  have  done.  Immediately  in 
front  he  perceived  a  dark  object  that  resembled  a  stump  and 
turning  the  horses  slightly  to  one  side,  endeavoured  to  urge 
them  past  it.  Still  they  would  not  go,  but  continued  to  re 
gard  the  object  mentioned  with  dread,  which  was  manifested 
by  sundry  restless  pawings  and  unaccustomed  snorts.  Joe 
resolved  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  their  alarm,  and  springing 
to  the  ground,  moved  cautiously  in  the  direction  of  the  dark 
obstruction,  which  still  seemed  to  be  a  blackened  stump, 
about  his  own  height,  and  a  very  trifling  obstacle,  in  hia 
opinion,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  his  redoubtable  team. 
The  darkness  was  intense,  yet  he  managed  to  keep  his  eyes 
on  the  dim  outlines  of  the  object  as  he  stealthily  approach 
ed  And  he  stepped  as  noiselessly  as  possible,  notwith 
standing  he  meditated  an  encounter  with  nothing  more  than 
ttu  inanimate  object.  But  his  imagination  was  always  on 
Jhe  alert,  and  as  he  often  feared  dangers  that  arose  unde 


12  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES  C 

finable  and  indescribable  in  his  mind,  it  was  not  without 
some  trepidation  that  he  had  separated  himself  from  the 
horses  and  groped  his  way  toward  the  object  that  had  so 
much  terrified  his  pony.  He  paused  within  a  few  feet  of  the 
object,  and  waited  for  the  next  flash  of  lightning  to  scruti 
nize  the  thing  more  closely  before  putting  his  hand  upon  it, 
But  no  flash  came,  and  he  grew  tired  of  standing.  He 
stooped  down,  so  as  to  bring  the  upper  portion  of  it  iu  a  line 
with  the  sky  beyond,  but  still  he  could  not  make  it  out.  He 
ventured  stiti  nearer,  and  stared  at  it  long  and  steadily,  but 
to  no  avail:  the  black  mass  only  was  before  him,  seemingly 
inanimate,  and  of  a  deeper  hue  than  the  darkness  around. 
"  I've  a  notion  to  try  my  whip  on  you,"  said  he,  thinking 
if  it  should  be  a  human  being  it  would  doubtless  make  a 
movement.  He  started  back  with  a  momentary  conviction 
that  he  heard  a  rush  creak  under  its  feet.  But  as  it  still 
maintained  its  position,  he  soon  concluded  the  noise  to  have 
been  only  imaginary,  and  venturing  quite  close  gafe  it  a 
smart  blow  with  his  whip.  Instantaneously  poor  Joe  was 
rolling  on  the  earth,  almost  insensible,  and  the  dark  object 
disappeared  rushing  through  the  bushes  into  the  woods. 
The  noise  attracted  Glenn,  who  now  approached  thw  scene, 
and  with  no  little  surprise  found  his  servant  lyin^  on  his 
face. 

"What's  the  matter,  Joe?"  demanded  he. 
"  Oh,  St.  Peter !     0  preserve  me  !"  exclaimed  Joe. 
"What  has  happened  ?     Why  do  you  lie  there  ?" 
"  Oh,  I'm  almost  killed  !     Didn't  you  see  him  I" 
"  See  what  ?     I  can  see  nothing  this  dark  night  but  the 
flying  clouds  and  yonder  yellow  sheet  of  water." 

"  Oh,  I've  been  struck !"  said  Joe,  groaning  piteously. 
"  Struck  by  what  ?     Has  the  lightning  struck  you  ?" 
"No — no  !  my  head  is  all  smashed  up — it  was  a  bear." 
"  Pshaw !  get  up,  and  either  drive  on,  or  feed  the  horses," 
said  Glenn  with  some  impatience. 

"  1  call  all  the  saints  to  witness  that  it  was  a  wild  bear — 
a  great  wild  bear !  I  thought  it  was  a  stump,  but  just  as 
I  struck  ic  a  flash  of  lightning  revealed  to  my  eyes  a  big 
black  bear  standing  on  his  hind  feet,  grinning  at  me,  and 
he  gave  me  a  blow  on  the  side  of  the  face,  which  hap  en 
tirely  blinded  my  left  eye,  and  set  my  ears  to  ringing  like 
a  thousand  bells.  Just  feel  the  blood  on  roy  face." 


A  DARK  ENCOUNTER.— P.  12. 


A   NARRATIVE.  13 

Glenn  actually  felt  something  which  might  be  blood,  and 
fually  had  thought  he  could  distinguish  the  stump  himself 
when  the  wagon  halted ;  yet  he  did  not  believe  that  -Joe 
had  received  the  hurt  in  any  other  manner  than  by  striking 
his  face  against  some  hard  substance  which  he  could  not 

O 

avoid  in  the  darkness. 

"  You  only  fancy  it  was  a  bear,  Joe ;  so  come  along  back 
to  the  horses  and  drive  on.  The  rain  has  ceased,  and  the 
stars  are  appearing."  Saying  this,  Glenn  led  the  way  to 
the  wagon. 

"  I'd  be  willing  to  swear  on  the  altar  that  it  was  a  huge 
frear,  and  nothing  else !"  replied  Joe,  as  he  mounted  and 
drove  on,  the  horses  now  evincing  no  reluctance  to  proceed. 
One  after  another  the  stars  came  out  and  shone  in  purest 
brightness  as  the  mists  swept  away,  and  ere  long  the  whole 
canopy  of  blue  was  gemmed  with  twinkling  brilliants. 
The  winds  soon  lulled,  and  the  uense  forest  on  the  right 
reposed  from  the  moaning  gale  which  had  disturbed  it  a 
short  time  before ;  and  the  waves  that  had  been  tossed  into 
foaming  ridges  now  spent  their  fury  on  the  beach,  each 
lashing  the  bank  more  gently  than  the  last,  until  the  power 
of  the  gliding  current  swept  them  all  down  the  turbid  stream. 
Soon  the  space  between  the  water  and  the  forest  gradually 
diminished,  and  seemed  to  join  at  a  point  not  far  ahead. 
Joe  observed  this  with  some  concern,  being  aware  that  to 
meander  among  the  trees  at  such  an  hour  was  impossible. 
He  therefore  inclined  toward  the  river,  resolved  to  defer 
his  re-entrance  into  the  forest  as  long  as  possible.  As  he 
drove  on  he  kept  up  a  continual  groaning,  with  his  head 
hung  to  one  side,  as  if  suffering  with  the  toothache,  and 
occasionally  reproaching  Pete  with  some  petulance,  as  if  a 
portion  of  the  blame  attached  to  his  sagacious  pony. 

"  Why  do  you  keep  up  such  a  howling,  Joe  ?  Do  you 
really  suffer  much  pain  ?"  inquired  Glenn,  annoyed  by  his 
man's  lamentations. 

"It  don't  hurt  as  bad  as  it  did — but  then  to  think  that  I 
was  such  a  fool  as  to  go  right  into  the  beast's  clutches, 
when  even  Pete  had  more  sense !" 

"  If  it  was  actually  a  bear,  Joe,  you  can  boast  of  the 
thrilling  encounter  hereafter,"  said  Glenn,  in  a  joking  and 
partly  consoling  manner. 

"  But  it'  i  have  many  more  such,  I  fear  I  shall  never  get 


'4  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

back  to  relate  them.  My  face  is  all  swelled — Huzza! 
yonder  is  a  light,  at  last !  It's  on  this  side  of  the  river, 
and  if  we  can't  get  over  the  ferry  to-night,  we  shall  have 
something  to  eat  on  this  side,  at  all  events.  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  ! 
I  see  a  living  man  moving  before  the  fire,  as  if  he  were 
roasting  meat."  Joe  forgot  his  wound  in  the  joy  of  an 
anticipated  supper,  and  whipping  the  horses  into  a  brisk 
pace,  they  soon  drew  near  the  encampment,  where  they 
discovered  numerous  persons,  male  and  female,  who  had 
been  prevented  from  crossing  the  river  that  day,  in  con 
sequence  of  the  violence  of  the  storm,  and  had  raised  their 
tents  at  the  edge  of  the  woods,  preferring  to  repose  thus 
until  the  following  morning  than  to  venture  into  the  frail 
ferry-boat  while  the  waves  yet  ran  so  high. 

There  was  no  habitation  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  save 
a  rude  hovel  occupied  by  Jasper  Roughgrove  and  his  ferry 
men,  which  was  on  the  opposite  shore  in  a  narrow  valley 
that  cleft  asunder  the  otherwise  uniform  cliff  of  rocks. 

The  creaking  of  the  wheels,  when  the  vehicle  approached 
within  a  few  hundred  paces  of  the  encampment,  attracted 
the  watch-dogs,  and  their  fierce  and  continued  barking 
drew  the  attention  of  the  emigrants  in  the  direction  indi 
cated.  Several  men  with  guns  in  their  hands  came  out  to 
meet  the  young  travellers. 

"  We  are  white  men,  friends,  strangers,  lost,  benighted, 
and  hungry !"  exclaimed  Joe,  stopping  the  horses,  and 
addressing  the  men  before  he  was  accosted. 

"  Come  on,  then,  and  eat  and  rest  with  us,"  sard  they, 
amused  at  Joe's  exclamations,  and  leading  the  way  to  the 
encampment. 

When  they  arrived  at  the  edge  of  the  camp,  Glenn  dis 
mounted  from  the  wagon,  and  directing  Joe  to  follow  when 
he  had  taken  care  of  the  horses,  drew  near  the  huge  lo/j 
fire  in  company  with  those  who  had  gone  out  to  meet  him. 
Several  tall  and  spreading  elms  towered  in  majesty  above, 
and  theft  clustering  leaves,  yet  partially  green,  notwif.h 
standing  the  autumn  was  midway  advanced,  were  beautifully 
tinged  by  the  bright  light  thrown  upward  from  the  glaring 
flames.  The  view  on  one  side  was  lost  in  the  dark  labyrinth 
of  the  moss-grown  trunks  of  the  forest.  On  the  other  swept 
the  turbid  river,  bearing  downward  in  its  rapid  current 
severed  branches,  and  even  whole  trees,  that  had  been  swept 


A    NARRATIVE.  15 

away  by  the  continual  falling  m  of  the  river  bank,  for  the 
sandy  soil  was  always  subject  to  the  undermining  of  the 
impetuous  stream.  A  circle  of  tents  was  formed  round  thft 
fire,  constructed  of  thin  poles  bent  in  the  shape  of  an  arch, 
and  the  ends  planted  firmly  in  the  earth.  These  were 
covered  with  buffalo  skins,  which  would  effectually  shield 
the  inmates  from  the  rain ;  and  quantities  of  leaves,  after 
being  carefully  dried  before  the  fire,  were  placed  on  the 
ground  within,  over  which  were  spread  buffalo  robes  with  the 
hair  uppermost,  and  thus  in  a  brief  space  was  completed 
temporary  but  not  uncomfortable  places  of  repose.  The  ends 
of  the  tents  nearest  to  the  fire  were  open,  to  admit  the  heat 
and  a  portion  of  light,  that  those  who  desired  it  might  retire 
during  their  repast,  or  engage  in  pious  meditation  undis 
turbed  by  the  more  clamorous  portion  of  the  company. 

Glenn  paused  when  within  the  circle,  and  looked  with 
some  degree  of  interest  on  the  admirable  arrangement  of 
those  independent  and  hardy  people.  A  majority  of  the 
emigrants  were  seated  on  logs  brought  thither  for  that  pur 
pose,  and  feasting  quietly  from  several  large  pans  and  well- 
filled  camp-kettles,  which  were  set  out  for  all  in  com'-iaon. 
They  motioned  Glenn  to  partake  with  them  ;  and  although 
many  curious  looks  were  directed  toward  him,  yet  he  was 
not  annoyed  by  questions  while  eating.  Joe  came  in,  and 
following  the  example  of  the  rest,  played  his  part  to  per 
fection,  without  complaining  once  of  his  wound. 

The  feast  was  just  finished,  when  the  dogs  again  set  up  a. 
furious  yelping,  and  ran  into  the  forest.  But  they  returned 
very  quickly,  some  of  them  whining  with  the  hurts  received 
from  the  strangers  they  encountered  so  roughly ;  and  present 
ly  they  were  followed  by  several  enormous  hounds,  and  soon 
after  an  athletic  woodsman  was  seen  approaching.  This 
personage  was  a  tall  muscular  man,  past  the  middle  age,  but 
agile  and  vigorous  in  all  his  motions.  He  was  habited  in  a 
buck-skin  hunting-shirt,  and  wore  leggins  of  the  same  ma 
terial.  Although  he  was  armed  with  a  long  knife  and  heavy 
rifle,  and  the  expression  of  his  brow  and  chin  indicated  an 
unusual  degree  of  firmness  and  determination,  yet  there  was 
an  openness  and  blandness  in  the  expression  of  his  features 
which  won  the  confidence  of  the  beholder,  and  instantly 
dispelled  every  apprehension  of  violence.  All  of  the  emi 
grants  had  either  seen  or  heard  of  him  before,  for  his 


[6  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

was  not  only  repeated  by  every  tongue  in  the  territory,  b\ 
was  familiar  in  every  State  in  the  Union,  and  not  unknowi, 
in  many  parts  of  Europe.  He  was  instantly  recognised  by 
the  emigrants,  and  crowding  round,  they  gave  him  a  heartj 
welcome.  They  led  him  to  a  conspicuous  seat,  and  forming 
a  circle  about  him,  were  eager  to  catch  every  word  that 
might  escape  his  lips,  and  relied  with  implicit  confidence 
on  every  species  of  information  he  imparted  respecting  the 
dangers  and  advantages  of  the  locations  they  were  about  to 
visit.  Boon'e  had  settled  some  three  miles  distant  from 
the  ferry,  among  the  hills,  where  his  people  were  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  salt.  He  had  selected  this  place  of 
abode  long  before  the  general  tide  of  emigration  had  reached 
so  far  up  the  Missouri.  It  was  said  that  he  pitched  his  tent 
among  the  barren  hills  as  a  security  against  the  intrusion 
of  other  men,  who,  being  swayed  by  a  love  of  wealth,  would 
naturally  seek  their  homes  in  the  rich  level  prairies.  It  is 
true  that  Boone  loved  to  dwell  in  solitude.  But  he  was  no 
misanthrope.  And  now,  although  questions  were  asked 
without  number,  he  answered  them  with  cheerfulness ;  ad 
vised  the  families  what  would  be  necessary  to  be  done  when 
their  locations  were  selected,  and  even  pressingly  invited 
them  to  remain  in  his  settlement  a  few  days  to  recover  from 
the  fatigue  of  travel,  and  promised  to  accompany  them  after 
ward  over  the  river  into  the  rich  plains  to  which  they  were 
journeying. 

Lhiring  the  brisk  conversation  that  had  been  kept  up  for 
a  great  length  of  time,  Glenn,  unlike  the  rest  of  the  com 
pany,  sat  at  a  distance  and  maintained  a  strict  silence. 
Occasionally,  as  some  of  the  extraordinary  feats  related  of 
the  person  before  him  occurred  to  his  memory,  he  turned 
his  eyes  in  the  direction  of  the  great  pioneer,  and  at  each 
time  observed  the  gaze  of  the  woodsman  fixed  upon  him. 
Nevertheless  his  habitual  listlessness  was  not  disturbed,  and 
he  pursued  his  peculiar  train  of  reflections.  Joe  likewise 
treated  the  presence  of  the  renowned  Indian  fighter  with 
apparent  unconcern,  and  being  alone  in  his  glory,  dived 
the  deeper  into  the  saucepan. 

Boone  at  length  advanced  to  where  Glenn  was  sitting, 
and  after  scanning  his  pale  features,  and  his  costly 
Vhough  not  exquisitely-fashioned  habiliments,  thus  ad- 
4ressed  him : — 


A  NARRATIVE.  17 

"Ycung  man,  may  I  inquire  what  brings  thee  to  these 


"  I  am  a  freeman,"  replied  Glenn,  somewhat  haughtily, 
"  and  may  be  influenced  by  that  which  brings  other  men 
!iither." 

"  Nay,  young  man,  excuse  the  freedom  which  all  expect 
to  exercise  in  this  comparative  wilderness  ;  but  I  am  very 
sure  there  is  not  another  emigrant  on  this  side  of  the  Ohio 
who  has  been  actuated  by  the  same  motives  that  brought 
thee  hither.  Others  come  to  fell  the  forest  oak,  and  till 
the  soil  of  the  prairie,  that  they  may  prepare  a  heritage  for 
their  children  ;  but  thy  soft  hands  and  slender  limbs  are 
unequal  to  the  task  ;  nor  dost  thou  seem  to  have  felt  the 
want  of  this  world's  goods  ;  and  thou  bringest  no  family  to 
provide  for.  Thou  hast  committed  that  which  banished 
thee  from  society,  or  found  in  society  that  which  disgusted 
thee  —  speak,  which  of  these  ?"  said  Boone,  in  accents, 
though  not  positively  commanding,  yet  they  produced  a  sense 
of  reverence  that  subdued  the  rising  indignation  of  Glenn, 
and  looking  upon  the  interrogator  as  the  acknowledged 
host  of  the  eternal  wilds,  and  himself  as  a  mere  guest,  who 
might  be  required  to  produce  his  testimonials  of  worthiness 
to  associate  with  nature's  most  honest  of  men,  he  replied 
with  calmness,  though  with  subdued  emotion  — 

"  You  are  right,  sir  —  it  was  the  latter.  I  had  heard  that 
you  were  happy  in  the  solitude  of  the  mountain-shaded 
valley,  or  on  the  interminable  prairies  that  greet  the  horizon 
in  the  distance,  where  neither  the  derision  of  the  proud, 
the  malice  of  the  envious,  nor  the  deceptions  of  pretended 
love  and  friendship,  could  disturb  your  peaceful  medita 
tions:  and  from  amid  the  wreck  of  certain  hopes,  which  I 
once  thought  no  circumstances  could  destroy,  I  rose  with  a 
determined  though  saddened  heart,  and  solemnly  vowed 
to  seek  such  a  wilderness,  where  I  could  pass  a  certain 
number  of  my  days  engaging  in  the  pursuits  that  might  be 
most  congenial  to  my  disposition.  Already  I  imagine  I 
experience  the  happy  effects  of  my  resolution.  Here  the 
whispers  of  vituperating  foes  cannot  injure,  nor  the  smiles 
of  those  fondly  cherished  deceive." 

"Your  hand,  young  man,"  said  Boone,  with  an  earnest 
ness  which  convinced  Glenn  that  his  tale  was  not  impru 
dently  divulged. 

2* 


18  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"Ho!  what's  the  matter  with  you?"  Boone  continued, 
turning  to  Joe,  who  had  just  arisen  from  his  supper,  and 
was  stretching  back  his  shoulders. 

"  I  got  a  licking  from  a  bear  to-night — but  I  don't  mind 
it  much  since  I've  had  a  snack.  But  if  ever  I  come  across 
him  in  the  daytime,  I'll  show  him  a  thing  or  two,"  said 
Joe,  with  his  fists  doubled  up. 

"  Pshaw !  do  you  still  entertain  the  ridiculous  belief  that 
it  was  really  a  bear  you  encountered  ?"  inquired  Glenn, 
with  an  incredulous  smile. 

"  I'll  swear  to  it !"  replied  Joe. 

"  Let  me  see  your  face,"  remarked  Boone,  turning  him 
to  where  there  was  more  light. 

"  Hollo!  don't  squeeze  it  so  hard!"  cried  Joe,  as  Boone 
removed  some  of  the  coagulated  blood  that  remained  or 
the  surface. 

"There  is  no  doubt  about  it — it  was  a  bear,  most  cer 
tainly,"  said  Boone ;  and  examining  the  wound  more  closely, 
continued:  "  Here  are  the  marks  of  his  claws,  plain  enough: 
he  might  easily  be  captured  to-morrow.  Who  will  hunt 
him  with  me?" 

"I  will !"  burst  from  the  lips  of  nearly  every  one  present. 

"Huzza — revenge!  I'll  have  revenge,  huzza!"  cried  Joe, 
throwing  round  his  hat." 

"You  will  join  us?"  inquired  Boone,  turning  to  Glenn. 

"Yes,"  replied  Glenn;  "I  came  hither  provided  with 
the  implements  to  hunt;  and  as  such  is  to  be  principally 
my  occupation  during  my  sojourn  in  this  region,  I  could 
not  desire  a  more  happy  opportunity  than  the  present  to 
make  a  beginning.  And  as  it  is  my  intention  to  settle 
near  the  ferry  on  the  opposite  shore,  I  am  pleased  to  find 
that  I  shall  not  be  far  from  one  whose  acquaintance  I  hoped 
to  make,  above  all  others." 

"And  you  may  not  find  me  reluctant  to  cultivate  a  social 
intercourse,  notwithstanding  men  think  me  a  crabbed  old 
misanthrope,"  replied  Boone,  pressing  the  extended  hand 
of  Glenn.  They  then  separated  for  the  night,  retiring  to 
the  tents  that  had  been  provided  for  them. 

It  was  not  long  before  a  comparative  silence  pervaded 
the  scene.  The  fierce  yelpings  of  the  watch-dogs  gradu 
ally  ceased,  and  the  howling  wolf  was  but  indistinctly  heard 
»u  the  distance.  The  katydid  and  \vhippoor\vill  stil!  sang  ai 


A   NARRATIVE.  19 

intervals,  and  these  sounds,  as  well  as  the  occasional  -whirl 
pool  that  could  be  heard  rising  on  the  surface  of  the  gliiing 
stream,  had  a  soothing  influence,  and  lulled  to  slumber  the 
wandering  mortals  who  now  reclined  under  the  forest  trees, 
far  from  the  homes  of  their  childhood  and  the  grares  of 
their  kindred.  Glenn  gazed  from  his  couch  through  the 
branches  above  at  the  calm,  blue  sky,  resplendent  with 
twinkling  stars ;  and  if  a  sad  reflection,  that  he  thus  lay,  a 
lonely  being,  a  thousand  miles  from  those  who  had  been 
most  dear  to  him,  dimmed  his  eye  for  an  instant  with  a 
tear,  he  still  felt  a  consciousness  of  innocence  within,  and 
resolving  to  execute  his  vow  in  every  particular,  he  too  was 
soon  steeped  in  undisturbed  slumber. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Boone  hunts  the  bear — Hounds  and  terriers — Sneak  Punk,  the  Hatchet- 
face — Another  stump — The  high  passes — The  bear  roused — The  chasa 
— A  sight — A  shot — A  wound — Joe — His  meditations — His  friend,  the 
bear — The  bear  retreats — Joe  takes  courage — He  fires — Immense 
execution — Sneak — The  last  struggle — Desperation  of  the  bear — His 
death — Sneak's  puppies — Joe. 

BY  the  time  the  first  streaks  of  gray  twilight  marked  the 
eastern  horizon,  Boone,  at  the  head  of  the  party  of  hun 
ters,  set  out  from  the  encampment  and  proceeded  down  the 
river  in  the  direction  of  the  place  where  Joe  had  been  so 
roughly  handled  by  Bruin.  All,  with  the  exception  of 
Glenn  and  his  man,  being  accustomed  to  much  walking, 
were  on  foot.  Glenn  rode  his  white  steed,  and  Joe  was 
mounted  on  his  little  black  pony.  The  large  hounds  be 
longing  to  Boone,  and  the  curs,  spaniels,  and  terriers  of 
the  emigrants  were  all  taken  along.  As  they  proceeded 
down  the  river,  Boone  proposed  the  plan  of  operationa 
which  was  to  guide  their  conduct  in  the  chase,  and  each 
man  was  eager  to  perform  his  part,  whatever  it  might  bo. 
(t  was  arranged  that  a  portion  of  the  company  should  pro- 


20  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

cede  the  rest,  and  cross  the  level  woodland  about  two  miles 
in  width,  to  a  range  of  hills  and  perpendicular  cliffs  that 
appeared  to  have  once  bounded  the  river,  and  select  such 
ravines  or  outlets  as  in  their  opinion  the  bear  would  be  most 
likely  to  pass  through,  if  he  were  indeed  still  in  the  flat 
bottom-land.  At  these  places  they  were  to  station  them 
selves  with  their  guns  well  charged,  and  either  await  the 
coming  of  the  animal  or  the  drivers ;  the  first  would  be 
announced  by  the  yelping  of  the  dogs,  and  the  last  by  the 
hunters'  horns. 

Glenn  and  one  or  two  others  remained  with  Boone  to 
hunt  Bruin  in  his  lair,  while  Joe  and  the  remainder  of  the 
company  were  despatched  to  the  passes  among  the  hills. 
There  was  a  narrow-featured  Vermonter  in  this  party, 
termed,  by  his  comrades,  the  Hatchet-face,  and,  in  truth, 
the  extreme  thinness  of  his  chest  and  the  slenderness  of  his 
limbs  might  as  aptly  have  been  called  the  hatchet-handle. 
But,  so  far  from  being  unfit  for  the  hardy  pursuits  of  a 
hunter,  he  was  gifted  with  the  activity  of  a  greyhound, 
and  the  swiftness  and  bottom  of  a  race-horse.  His  name 
was  Sneak  Punk,  which  was  always  abbreviated  to  merely 
Sneak,  for  his  general  success  in  creeping  up  to  the  un 
suspecting  game  of  whatsoever  kind  he  might  be  hunting, 
while  others  could  not  meet  with  such  success.  He  had 
been  striding  along  some  time  in  silence  a  short  distance 
in  advance  of  Joe,  who,  even  by  dint  of  sundry  kicks  and 
the  free  use  of  his  whip,  could  hardly  keep  pace  with  him. 
The  rest  were  a  few  yards  in  the  rear,  and  all  had  main 
tained  a  strict  silence,  implicitly  relying  on  the  guidance 
of  Sneak,  who,  though  he  had  never  traversed  these  woods 
before,  was  made  perfectly  familiar  with  the  course  he  was 
to  pursue  by  the  instructions  of  Boone. 

Although  the  light  of  morning  was  now  apparent  above, 
yet  the  thick  growth  of  the  trees,  whose  clustering  branches 
mingled  in  one  dense  mass  overhead,  made  it  still  dark 
and  sombre  below ;  and  Joe,  to  divert  Sneak  from  his  un 
conscionable  gait,  which,  in  his  endeavours  to  keep  up, 
often  subjected  him  to  the  rude  blows  of  elastic  switches, 
and  many  twinges  of  overhanging  grape  vines,  essayed  to 
engage  his  companion  in  conversation. 

"1  say,  Mr.  Sneak,"  observed  Joe,  with  an  eager  voice. 
W  his  pony  trotte  1  along  rather  roughly  through  the  wild 


A   NARRATIVE.  21 

gooseberry  bushes,  and  often  stumbled  over  the  decayed 
logs  that  lay  about. 

"What  do  you  want,  stranger?"  replied  Sneak,  slacken 
ing  his  gait  until  he  fell  back  alongside  of  Joe. 

"  I  only  wanted  to  know  if  you  ever  killed  a  bear  before," 
said  Joe,  drawing  an  easy  breath  as  Pete  fell  into  a  com 
fortable  walk. 

"Dod  rot  it,  I  hain't  killed  this  one  yit,"  said  Sneak. 

"I  didn't  mean  any  offence,"  said  Joe. 

"What  makes  you  think  you  have  given  any?" 

"Because  you  said  dod  rot  it." 

"  I  nearly  always  say  so — I've  said  so  so  often  that  I 
can't  help  it.  But  now,  as  we  are  on  the  right  footing,  I 
can  tell  you  that  I  wintered  once  in  Arkansaw,  and  that's 
enough  to  let  you  know  I'm  no  greenhorn,  no  how  you  can 
fix  it.  And  moreover,  I  tell  you,  if  old  Boone  wasn't  here 
hisself,  I'd  kill  this  bar  as  sure  as  a  gun,  and  my  gun  is  as 
sure  as  a  streak  of  lightning  run  into  a  barrel  of  gunpow 
der;"  and  as  he  spoke  he  threw  up  his  heavy  gun  and 
saluted  the  iron  with  his  lips. 

"Is  your's  a  rifle  ?"  inquired  Joe,  to  prolong  the  conver 
sation,  his  companion  showing  symptoms  of  a  disposition 
to  fall  into  his  habit  of  going  ahead  again. 

"Sartainly!  Does  anybody,  I  wonder,  expect  to  do 
any  thing  with  a  shot-gun  in  sich  a  place  as  this?" 

"  Mine's  a  shot-gun,"  said  Joe. 

"  Dod — did  you  ever  kill  any  thing  better  than  a  .quail 
with  it?"  inquired  Sneak,  contemptuously. 

"I  never  killed  any  thing  in  my  life  with  it — I  nevet 
shot  a  gun  in  all  my  life  before  to-night,"  said  Joe. 

"  Dod,  you  haven't  fired  it  to-night,  to  my  sartain  know 
ledge." 

"I  mean  1  never  went  a  shooting." 

"Did  you  load  her  yourself?"  inquired  Sneak,  taking 
hold  of  the  musket  and  feeling  the  calibre. 

"Yes — but  I'm  sure  I  did  it  right..  I  put  in  a  handful 
of  powder,  and  paper  on  top  of  it,  and  then  poured  in  a 
handful  of  balls,"  said  Joe. 

"  Ha !  ha !  ha !  I'll  be  busted  if  you  don't  raise  a  fuss 
if  you  ever  get  a  shot  at  the  bar!"  said  Sneak,  with  em 
phasis. 

"That's  what  I  am  after." 


£2  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES 

"Why  don't  you  go  ahead?"  demanded  Sneak,  as  Joe's 
pony  stopped  suddenly,  with  his  ears  thrust  forward. 
"Dod!  whip  him  up,"  continued  he,  seeing  that  his  com 
panion  was  intently  gazing  at  some  object  ahead,  and  ex 
hibiting  as  many  marks  of  alarm  as  Pete.  "It's  nothing 
but  a  stump !"  said  Sneak,  going  forwards  and  kicking  the 
object,  which  was  truly  nothing  more  than  he  took  it  to  be. 
Joe  then  related  to  him  all  the  particulars  of  his  noctural 
uffair  with  the  supposed  stump,  previous  to  his  arrival  at 
the  camp,  and  Sneak,  with  a  hearty  laugh,  admitted  that 
both  he  and  the  pony  were  excusable  for  inspecting  all  the 
stumps  they  might  chance  to  come  across  in  the  dark  in 
future.  They  now  emerged  into  the  open  space  which  was 
the  boundary  of  the  woods,  and  after  clambering  up  a 
steep  ascent  for  some  minutes,  they  reached  the  summit  of 
a  tall  range  of  bluffs.  From  this  position  the  sun  could  be 
seen  rising  over  the  eastern  ridges,  but  the  flat  woods  that 
had  been  traversed  still  lay  in  darkness  below,  and  silent 
as  the  tomb,  save  the  hooting  of  owls  as  they  flapped  to 
their  hollow  habitations  in  the  trees. 

The  party  then  dispersed  to  their  coverts  under  the  direc 
tion  of  Sneak,  who  with  a  practised  eye  instantly  perceived 
all  the  advantageous  posts  for  the  men,  and  the  places 
where  the  bear  would  most  probably  run.  Joe  had  insisted 
on  having  his  revenge,  and  begged  to  be  stationed  where 
he  would  be  most  likely  to  get  a  shot.  He  was  therefore 
permitted  to  remain  at  the  head  of  the  ravine  they  had 
just  ascended,  through  which  a  deer  path  ran,  as  the  most 
favourable  position.  After  tying  Pete  some  paces  in  the 
rear,  he  came  forwards  to  the  verge  of  the  valley  and  seated 
himself  on  a  dry  rock,  where  he  could  see  some  distance 
down  the  path  under  the  tall  sumach  bushes.  He  then 
commenced  cogitating  how  he  would  act,  should  Bruin  have 
the  hardihood  to  face  him  in  the  daytime. 

Boone  and  his  party  drew  near  the  spot  where  the  bear 
had  been  seen  the  previous  night.  The  two  large  hounds, 
Ringwood  and  Jowler,  kept  at  their  master's  heels,  being 
trained  to  understand  and  perform  all  the  duties  required 
6f  them,  while  the  curs  and  terriers  were  running  helter- 
skelter  far  ahead,  or  striking  out  into  the  woods  without 
»im,  and  always  returning  without  effecting  any  thing  At 
tength  the  two  hounds  paused,  and  scented  the  earth,  giv- 


A   NARRATIVE.  23 

ing  certain  information  that  they  had  arrived  at  the  dtsired 
point.  The  curs  and  terriers  had  already  passed  far  be 
yond  the  spot,  being  unable  to  decide  any  thing  by  the  nose, 
and  always  relying  on  their  swiftness  in  the  chase  when 
they  should  be  in  sight  of  the  object  pursued. 

Now,  Glenn  perceived  to  what  perfection  dogs  could  be 
trained,  and  learned,  what  had  been  a  matter  of  wonder  to 
him,  how  Boone  could  keep  up  with  them  in  the  chase. 
The  hounds  set  off  at  a  signal  from  their  master,  not  like 
an  arrow  from  the  bow,  but  at  a  moderate  pace,  ever  and 
anon  looking  back  and  pausing  until  the  men  came  up; 
while  the  erratic  curs  flew  hither  and  thither,  chasing  every 
hare  and  squirrel  they  could  find.  As  they  pursued  the 
trail  they  occasionally  saw  the  foot-print  of  the  animal, 
which  was  broad  and  deep,  indicating  one  of  enormous 
size.  Presently  they  came  to  a  spot  thickly  overgrown 
with  spice-wood  bushes  and  prickly  vines,  where  he  had 
made  his  lair,  and  from  the  erect  tails  of  Ringwood  and 
Jowler,  and  the  intense  interest  they  otherwise  evinced,  it 
Was  evident  they  were  fast  approaching  the  presence  of 
Bruin.  Ere  long,  as  they  ran  .along  with  their  heads  up, 
for  the  first  time  that  morning,  they  commenced  yelping  in 
clear  and  distinct  tones,  which  rang  musically  far  and  wide 
through  the  woods.  The  curs  relinquished  their  unprofit 
able  racing  round  the  thickets,  attracted  by  the  hounds, 
and  soon  learned  to  keep  in  the  rear,  depending  on  the 
unerring  trailing  of  the  old  hunters,  as  the  object  of  pursuit 
was  not  yet  in  sight.  The  chase  became  more  animated, 
and  the  men  quickened  their  pace  as  the  inspiring  notes 
of  the  hounds  rang  out  at  regular  intervals.  Glenn  soon 
found  he  possessed  no  advantage  over  those  on  foot,  who 
wer?  able  to  run  undfcr  the  branches  of  the  trees,  and  glide 
through  the  thickets  with  but  little  difficulty,  while  the  rush 
of  his  noble  steed  was  often  arrested  by  the  tenacious  vines 
clinging  to  the  bushes  abreast,  and  he  was  sometimes  under 
the  necessity  of  dismounting  to  recover  his  cap  or  whip. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  notes  of  Ringwood  and  Jowler 
suddenly  increased  in  sharpness  and  quickness,  and  the 
curs  and  terriers,  hitherto  silent,  set  up  a  confused  medley 
of  sounds,  which  reverberated  like  one  continuous  scream. 
They  had  pounced  upon  the  bear,  and  from  the  stationary 
position  of  the  dogs  for  a  few  minutes,  indicated  by  then 


24  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

peculiar  baying,  it  was  evident  Bruin  had  turned  to  survey 
the  enemy,  and  perhaps  to  give  them  battle ;  but  it  seemt  J 
that  their  number  or  noise  soon  intimidated  him,  and  that 
ne  preferred  seeking  safety  in  flight.  How  Boone  could 
possibly  know  beforehand  which  way  the  bear  would  run, 
was  a  mystery  to  Glenn;  but  that  he  often  abandoned  the 
direction  taken  by  the  dogs,  turning  off  at  almost  right 
angles,  and  still  had  a,  sight  of  him  was  no  less  true.  Nc 
one  had  yet  been  near  enough  to  fire  with  effect.  The  bear, 
notwithstanding  his  many  feints  and  novel  demonstrations 
to  get  rid  of  his  persecutors,  had  continued  to  make  towards 
the  hills  where  the  standers  were  stationed.  Boone  falling 
in  with  Glenn,  from  whom  he  had  been  frequently  sepa 
rated,  they  continued  together  some  time,  following  the 
course  of  the  sounds  towards  the  east. 

"This  sport  is  really  exciting  and  noble!"  exclaimed 
Glenn,  as  the  deep  and  melodious  intonations  of  Ringwood 
and  Jowler  fell  upon  his  ear. 

"Excellent!  excellent!"  replied  Boone,  listening  in 
tently,  and  pausing  suddenly,  as  the  discharge  of  a  gun  in 
the  direction  of  the  hills  sounded  through  the  woods. 

"  He  has  reached  the  standers,"  remarked  Glenn,  rein 
ing  up  his  steed  at  Boone's  side. 

'•No;  it  was  one  of  our  men  who  has  not  followed  him 
in  all  his  deviations,"  replied  Boone,  still  marking  the  notes 
of  the  hounds. 

"I  doubt  not  our  company  is  sufficiently  scattered  in 
every  direction  through  the  forest  to  force  him  into  the 
ailld  very  speedily,  if,  indeed,  that  shot  was  not  fatal,"  re 
marked  Glenn. 

"  He  is  not  hurt — perhaps  it  was  not  fired  at  him,  but 
\t  a  bird — nor  will  he  yet  leave  thefwoods,"  said  Boone, 
till  listening  to  the  hounds.  "  He  comes!"  he  exclaimed 
*  moment  after,  with  marks  of  joy  in  his  face;  "he  will 
aiake  a  grand  circle  before  quitting  the  lowland."  Arid 
now  the  dogs  could  be  heard  more  distinctly,  as  if  they 
were  gradually  approaching  the  place  from  which  they  first 
started. 

"If  you  will  remain  here,"  continued  Boone,  "it  is  quite 
likely  you  will  have  a  shot  as  he  makes  his  final  push  for 
the  hills." 

"Then  here  will  I  remain,"  replied  Glenn;  arid  fixing 


A    NARRATIVE.  25 

tumse'.f  firmly  in  the  saddle,  resolved  to  await  the  coming 
of  Bruin,  having  every  confidence  in  the  intimation  of  his 
friend.  Boonc  selected  a  position  a  few  hundred  paces 
distant,  with  a  view  of  permitting  Glenn  to  have  the  first 
fire. 

The  bear  took  a  wide  circuit  towards  the  river,  pausing 
at  times  until  the  foremost  of  the  dogs  came  up,  which  he 
could  easily  manage  to  keep  at  bay ;  but  when  all  of  them 
(and  the  curs  did  good  service  now)  surrounded  him,  he 
found  it  necessary  to  set  forward  again.  When  he  had  run 
as  far  as  the  river,  and  turned  once  more  towards  the  hills, 
his  course  seemed  to  be  in  a  direct  line  with  Glenn,  and  the 
young  man's  heart  fluttered  with  anticipation  as  he  ex 
amined  his  gun,  and  turned  his  horse  (which  had  been  ac 
customed  to  firearms)  in  a  favourable  position  to  give  the 
enemy  a  salute  as  he  passed.  Nearer  they  came,  the  dogs 
pursuing  with  redoubled  fierceness,  their  blood  heated  by 
the  exercise,  and  their  most  sanguine  passions  roused  by 
their  frequent  severe  skirmishes  with  their  huge  antagonist. 
As  they  approached,  the  strange  and  simultaneous  yelp 
ings  of  the  curs  and  terriers  resembled  an  embodied  roar, 
amid  which  the  flute-like  notes  of  Ringwood  and  Jowler 
could  hardly  be  heard.  Glenn  could  now  distinctly  hear 
the  bear  rushing  like  a  torrent  through  the  bushes,  almost 
directly  towards  the  place  where  he  was  posted,  and  a  mo 
ment  after  it  emerged  from  a  dense  thicket  of  hazel,  and 
the  noble  steed,  instead  of  leaping  away  with  affright,  threw 
back  his  ears  and  stood  firm,  until  Glenn  fired.  Bruin 
uttered  a  howl,  and  halting  with  a  fierce  growl,  raised 
himself  on  his  haunches,  and  displaying  his  array  of  white 
teeth,  prepared  to  assail  our  hero.  Glenn  proceeded  to  re 
load  his  rifle  with  as  much  expedition  as  was  in  his  power, 
though  not  without  some  tremor,  notwithstanding  he  was 
mounted  on  his  tall  steed,  whose  nostrils  dilated,  and  eyea 
flashing  fire,  indicated  that  he  was  willing  to  take  part  in 
the  conflict.  The  bear  was  preparing  for  a  dreadful  en 
counter,  and  on  the  very  eve  of  springing  towards  his  as 
sailant,  when  the  hounds  coming  up  admonished  him  to  flee 
hiu  more  numerous  foes,  and  turning  off,  he.  continued  his 
route  towards  the  hills.  Glenn  perceived  that  he  had  not 
missed  his  aim  by  the  blood  sprinkled  on  the  bushes,  and 
being  ready  for  another  fire,  galloped  after  him.  Just  when 


a\j  WILD    WKSTEKN    SCENES  t 

he  caine  in  sight,  Boone's  gun  was  heard,  and  Bruin  fell, 
remaining  motionless  for  a  moment ;  but  ere  Glenn  arrived 
within  shooting  distance,  or  Boone  could  reload,  he  had 
risen  and  again  continued  his  course,  as  if  in  defiance  of 
everything  that  man  could  do  to  oppose  him. 

"  Is  it  possible  he  still  survives  !"  exclaimed  Glenn,  join 
ing  his  companion. 

"  There  is  nothing  more  possible,"  replied  Boone ;  "  but 
I  saw  by  his  limping  that  your  shot  had  taken  effect." 

"And  I  saw  him  fall  when  you  fired,"  said  Glenn  ;  "but 
he  still  runs." 

"  And  he  will  run  for  some  time  yet,"  remarked  Boone, 
"  for  they  are  extremely  hard  to  kill,  when  heated  by  the 
pursuit  of  dogs.  But  we  have  done  our  part,  and  it  now 
remains  for  those  at  the  passes  to  finish  the  work  so  well 
begun." 

Joe's  imagination  had  several  times  worked  him  into  a 
fury,  which  had  as  often  subsided  in  disappointment,  dur 
ing  the  chase  below,  every  particle  of  which  could  be  dis 
tinctly  heard  from  his  position.  More  than  once,  when  a 
brisk  breeze  swept  up  the  valley,  he  was  convinced  that 
his  enemy  was  approaching  him,  and,  every  nerve  quiver 
ing  with  the  expectation  of  the  bear  coming  in  view  the 
next  instant,  he  stood  a  spectacle  of  eagerness,  with  per 
haps  a  small  portion  of  apprehension  intermingled.  At 
length,  from  the  frequent  deceptions  the  distance  practiced 
upon  him,  he  grew  composed  by  degrees,  and  resuming  his 
seat  on  the  stone,  with  his  musket  lying  across  his  knees, 
thus  gave  vent  to  his  thoughts :  "  What  if  an  Indian  were 
to  pounce  upon  me  while  I'm  sitting  here?"  Here  he 
paused,  and  looked  carefully  round  in  every  direction. 
"No"!"  he  continued;  "if  there  were  any  at  this  time  in 
the  neighbourhood,  wouldn't  Boone  know  it  ?  To  be  sure  he 
would,  and  here's  my  gun — I  forgot  that.  Let  them  come 
as  eoon  as  they  please  !  I  wonder  if  the  bear  will  come 
out  here  ?  Suppose  he  does,  what's  the  danger  ?  Didn't  I 
grapple  with  him  last  night  ?  And  couldn't  I  jump  on 
Pete  and  get  away  from  him  !  But — pshaw  !  I  keep  for 
getting  my  gun — I  wish  he  would  come,  I'd  serve  him 
worse  than  he  served  me  last  night !  My  face  feels  very 
sore  this  morning.  There  !"  he  exclaimed,  when  he  heard 
the  fire  of  Glenn's  gun,  and  the  report  that  succeeded  tVoto 


A    NARKATIVE.  27 

Boone's,  "  they've  floored  him  as  dead  as  a  nail,  I'll  bet. 
Hang  it !  I  should  like  to  have  had  a  word  or  two  with  him 
myself,  to  have  told  him  I  hadn't  forgotten  his  ugly  grin. 
The  men  must  have  known  I  would  stand  no  chance  of 
killing  him  when  they  placed  me  up  here.  I  should  like 
to  know  what  part  of  the  sport  I've  had — ough  !"  exclaimed 
he,  his  hair  standing  upright,  as  he  beheld  the  huge  bear, 
panting  and  bleeding,  coming  towards  him,  and  not  twenty 
paces  distant ! 

Bruin  had  eluded  the  dogs  a  few  minutes  by  climbing  a 
bending  tree  at  the  mouth  of  the  valley,  from  which  he 
passed  to  another,  and  descending  again  to  the  earth,  pro 
ceeded  almost  exhausted  up  the  ravine.  Joe's  eyes  grew 
larger  and  larger  as  the  monster  approached,  and  when 
within  a  few  feet  of  him  he  uttered  a  horrible  unearthly 
sound,  which  attracted  the  bear,  and  fearing  the  fatal  aim 
of  man  more  than  the  teeth  of  the  dogs,  he  whirled  about, 
with  a  determination  to  fight  his  way  back,  in  preference 
to  again  risking  the  murderous  lead.  No  sooner  was  the 
bear  out  of  sight,  and  plunging  down  the  dell  arnid  the  cries 
of  the  dogs,  which  assailed  him  on  all  sides,  than  Joe  be 
thought  him  of  his  gun,  and  becoming  valorous,  ran  a  few 
steps  down  the  path  and  fired  in  the  direction  of  the  con 
fused  melee.  The  moment  after  he  discharged  his  musket, 
the  back  part  of  his  head  struck  the  earth,  and  the  gun  made 
two  or  three  end-over-end  revolutions  up  the  path  behind 
him.  Never,  perhaps,  was  such  a  rebound  from  overloading 
known  before.  Joe  now  thought  not  of  the  bear,  nor  looked 
to  see  what  execution  he  had  done.  He  thought  of  his  own 
person,  which  he  found  prostrate  on  the  ground.  When 
somewhat  recovered  from  the  blow,  he  rose  with  his  hand 
pressed  to  his  nose,  while  the  blood  ran  out  between  his 
fingers.  "  Oh  !  my  goodness  !"  he  exclaimed,  seating  him 
self  at  the  root  of  a  pecan  tree,  and  rocking  backwards  and 
forwards. 

"What's  your  gun  doing  up  here?"  exclaimed  Sneak, 
coming  down  the  path.  Joe  made  no  answer,  but  continued 
to  rock  backwards  and  forwards  most  dolefully. 

"Why  don't  you  speak?     Where's  the  bar  ?" 

"I  don't  know.    Oh  !"  murmured  Joe. 

"  What's  the  matter  ?"  inquired  Sneak,  seeing  the  copi- 
me  effusion  of  blood. 


28  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES. 

*  I  shot  off  that  outrageous  musket,  and  it's  kicked  my 
nose  to  pieces  !  I  shall  faint !"  said  Joe,  dropping  his  head 
between  his  knees. 

"Faint?  I  never  saw  a  man  faint!"  said  Sneak,  listen 
ing  to  the  chase  below. 

"  Oh  !  can't  you  help  me  to  stop  this  blood  ?" 

"Don't  you  hear  that,  down  there  ?"  replied  Sneak,  his 
attention  entirely  directed  to  that  which  was  going  on  in 
the  valley. 

"  My  ears  are  deafened  by  that  savage  gun !  I  can't  hear 
a  bit,  hardly !  Oh,  what  shall  I  do,  Mr.  Sneak  ?"  continued 
Joe. 

"Dod  rot  it !"  exclaimed  Sneak,  leaping  like  a  wild  buck 
down  the  path,  and  paying  no  further  attention  to  the 
piteous  lamentations  of  his  comrade. 

Ere  the  bear  reached  the  mouth  of  the  glen,  the  hunters 
generally  had  come  up,  and  poor  Bruin  found  himself 
hemmed  in  on  all  sides.  He  could  not  ascend  on  either 
hand,  the  loss  of  blood  having  weakened  him  too  much  to 
climb  over  the  almost  precipitous  rocks,  and  he  made  a 
final  stand,  determined  to  sell  his  life  as  dearly  as  possible. 
The  dogs  sprang  upon  him  in  a  body,  and  it  was  soon  evi 
dent  that  his  desperate  struggles  were  not  harmless.  He 
grasped  one  of  the  curs  in  his  deadly  hug,  and  with  his 
teeth  planted  in  its  neck,  relinquished  not  his  hold  until 
it  fell  from  his  arms  a  disfigured  and  lifeless  object.  He 
boxed  those  that  were  tearing  his  hams  with  his  ponderous 
claws,  sending  them  screaming  to  the  right  and  left.  He 
then  stood  up  on  his  haunches,  with  his  back  against  a  rock, 
and  with  a  snarl  of  defiance  resolved  never  to  retreat  "  from 
its  firm  base."  Never  were  blows  more  rapidly  dealt. 
When  attacked  on  one  side,  he  had  no  sooner  turned  to  beat 
down  his  sanguine  foe  than  he  was  assailed  on  the  other. 
Thus  he  fought  alternately  from  right  to  left,  his  mouth 
gaping  open,  his  tongue  hanging  out,  and  his  eyes  gleaming 
furiously  as  if  swimming  in  liquid  fire.  At  times  he  was 
charged  simultaneously  in  front  and  flank,  when  for  an 
instant  the  whole  group  seemed  to  be  one  dark  writhing 
mass,  uttering  a  medly  of  discordant  and  horrid  sounds. 
But  determined  to  conquer  or  die  on  the  spot  he  occupied, 
B"uin  never  relaxed  his  blows,  until  the  bruised  and 
exhausted  dogs  were  forced  to  withdraw' a.  n'-onicnt 


A    NARRATIVE.  29 

fc'ne  combat,  and  rush  into  the  narrow  rivulet.  While  they 
lay  panting  in  the  water,  the  bear  turned  his  head  back 
against  the  rocks,  and  lapped  in  the  dripping  moisture 
without  moving  from  his  position.  But  he  was  fast  sinking 
under  his  wounds :  a  stream  of  blood,  which  constantly 
issued  from  his  body,  and  ran  down  and  discoloured  the 
water,  indicated  that  his  career  was  nearly  finished.  Yet 
his  spirit  was  not  daunted;  for  while  the  canine  assailants 
ne  had  withstood  so  often  were  bathing  preparatory  for"  a 
renewal  of  the  conflict,  Boone  and  Glenn,  who  had  ap 
proached  the  immediate  vicinity,  fired,  and  Bruin,  echoing 
the  howl  of  death  as  the  bullets  entered  his  body,  turned 
his  eyes  reproachfully  towards  the  men  for  an  instant,  and 
then,  with  a  growl  of  convulsed,  expiring  rage,  plunged 
into  the  water,  and,  seizing  the  largest  cur,  crushed  him  to 
death.  Ringwood  and  Jowler,  whose  sagacity  had  hitherto 
led  them  to  keep  in  some  measure  aloof,  knowing  their  efforts 
would  be  unavailing  against  so  powerful  an  enemy  without 
the  fatal  aim  of  their  master,  now  sprang  forward  to  the 
rescue,  both  seizing  the  prostrate  foe  by  the  throat.  But  he 
could  not  be  made  to  relinquish  his  victim,  nor  did  he  make 
resistance.  Boone,  advancing  at  the  head  of  the  hunters, 
(all  of  whom,  with  the  exception  of  Joe  and  Sneak,  being 
there  assembled,)  with  some  difficulty  prevented  his  com 
panions  from  discharging  their  guns  at  the  dark  mass  be 
fore  them.  He  struck  up  several  of  their  guns  as  they 
were  endeavouring  to  aim  at  the  now  motionless  bear,  fear 
ing  that  his  hounds  might  suffer  by  their  fire,  and  stooping 
down,  whence  he  could  distinctly  see  the  pale  gums  and 
tongue,  as  his  hounds  grappled  the  neck  of  the  animal,  an 
nounced  the  death  of  Bruin,  and  the  termination  of  the 
hunt.  The  hounds  soon  abandoned  their  inanimate  victim, 
and  its  sinewy  limbs  relaxing,  the  devoted  cur  rolled  out  a 
lifeless  body. 

"How  like  you  this  specimen  of  our  wild  sports?"  in 
quired  Boone,  turning  to  Glenn,  as  the  rest  proceeded  to 
skin  and  dress  the  bear  preparatory  for  its  conveyance  to 
the  camp. 

"It  is  exciting,  if  not  terrific  and  cruel,"  replied  Glenn, 
reusing. 

"None  could  be  more  eager  than  yourself  in  the  chase,' 
4aid  Boone. 


80  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

"True,"  replied  Glenn;  "and  notwithstanding  the  un 
initiated  may  for  an  instant  revolt  at  the  spilling  of  blood, 
yet  the  chase  has  ever  been  considered  the  noblest  and  the 
most  innocent  of  sports.  The  animals  hunted  are  often  an 
evil  while  running  at  large,  being  destructive  or  dangerous; 
but  even  if  they  were  harmless  in  their  nature,  they  are 
still  necessary  or  desirable  for  the  support  or  comfort  of 
man.  Blood  of  a  similar  value  is  spilt  everywhere  without 
the  least  compunction.  The  knife  daily  pierces  the  neck 
of  the  swine,  and  the  kitchen  wench  wrings  off  the  head 
of  the  fowl  while  she  hums  a  ditty.  This  is  far  better  than 
hunting  down  our  own  species  on  the  battle-field,  or  ruining 
and  being  ruined  at  the  gaming-table.  I  think  I  shall  be 
content  in  this  region." 

"  And  you  will  no  doubt  be  an  expert  hunter,  if  I  have 
any  judgment  in  such  matters,"  replied  Boone. 

"  I  wonder  that  Joe  has  not  yet  made  his  appearance," 
remarked  Glenn,  approaching  the  bear ;  "I  expected  ere 
this  to  have  seen  him  triumphing  over  his  fallen  enemy." 

"What  kind  of  a  gun  had  he  ?"  inquired  Boone. 

"  A  large  musket,"  said  Glenn,  recollecting  the  enormous 
explosion  that  seemed  to  jar  the  whole  woods  like  an  earth 
quake  ;  "  it  must  have  been  Joe  who  fired — he  had  certainly 
overcharged  the  gun,  and  I  fear  it  has  burst  in  his  hands, 
which  may  account  for  his  absence." 

"Be  not  uneasy,"  replied  Boone;  "for  I  can  assure  you 
from  the  peculiar  sound  it  made  that  it  did  nothing  more 
than  rebound  violently ;  besides,  those  guns  very  rarely 
burst.  But  here  comes  Sneak,  (I  think  they  call  him  so,) 
no  doubt  having  some  tidings  of  your  man.  It  seems  he 
has  not  been  idle.  He  has  a  brace  of  racoons  in  his  hands." 

The  tall  slim  form  of  Sneak  was  seen  coming  down  the 
path.  Ever  and  anon  he  cast  his  eyes  from  one  hand  to  the 
other,  regarding  with  no  ordinary  interest  the  dead  animals 
he  bore. 

"I  did  not  hear  him  fire,"  remarked  Glenn. 

"He  may  have  killed  them  with  stones,"  said  Boone; 
and  as  Sneak  drew  near,  he  continued,  with  a  smile;  "they 
are  nothing  more  than  a  brace  of  his  terriers,  that  doubtless 
Bruin  dispatched,  and  which  may  well  be  spared,  notwith 
standing  Sneak's  seeming  sorrow." 

Sneak   approached  the  place  wher«  Boone  a;-.'l    (Jilcrin 


A    NARRATIVE.  31 

were  standing,  with  the  gravest  face  that  man  ever  wore. 
His  eyes  seemed  to  be  set  in  his  head,  for  not  once  did  they 
wink,  nor  did  his  lips  move  for  some  length  of  time  after 
he  threw  down  the  dogs  at  the  feet  of  Glenn,  although 
several  men  addressed  him.  He  stood  with  his  arms  folded, 
and  gazed  mournfully  at  his  dead  dogs. 

"  The  little  fellows  fought  bravely,  and  covered  them 
selves  with  glory,"  said  Glenn,  much  amused  at  the  solemn 
demeanour  of  Sneak. 

"  If  there  ain't  more  blood  spilt  on  the  strength  of  it,  I 
wish  I  may  be  smashed!"  said  Sneak,  compressing  his  lips. 

"What  mean  you  ?  what's  the  matter?"  inquired  Boone, 
who  best  understood  whaf  the  man  was  meditating. 

"  I've  got  as  good  a  gun  as  anybody  here  !  And  I'll 
have  revenge,  or  pay  !"  replied  Sneak,  turning  his  eyes  on 
Glenn. 

"  If  your  remarks  are  intended  for  me,"  said  Glenn, 
"rely  upon  it  you  shall  have  justice." 

"Tell  us  all  about  it,"  said  Boone. 

"  When  I  heard  that  fool  up  the  valley  shoot  off  his  forty- 
four  pounder,  I  ran  to  see  what  he  had  done,  and  when  1 
came  near  to  where  he  was,  his  gun  was  lying  up  the  hill 
behind  him,  and  he  setting  down  whining  like  a  baby,  and 
a  great  gore  of  blood  hanging  to  his  nose.  I  wish  it  had 
blowed  his  head  off!  I  got  tired  of  staying  with  the  tarnation 
fool,  who  couldn't  tell  me  a  thing,  when  I  heard  you  shooting, 
and  the  horn  blowing  for  the  men ;  and  knowing  the  bar 
was  dead,  I  started  off  full  tilt.  I  hadn't  gone  fifty  steps 
before  I  began  to  see  where  his  bullets  had  spattered  the 
trees  and  bushes  in  every  direction.  Presently  I  stumbled 
over  these  dogs,  my  own  puppies — and  there  they  lay  as 
dead  as  door  nails.  I  whistled,  and  they  didn't  move;  I 
then  stooped  down  to  see  how  the  bear  had  killed  'em,  and 
I  found  these  bullet  holes  in  'em  !"  said  Sneak,  turning 
their  limber  bodies  over  with  his  foot,  until  their  wounds 
were  uppermost.  "  I'll  be  shot  if  I  don't  have  pay,  or 
revenge !"  he  continued,  with  tears  in  his  eyes. 

"What  were  they  worth?"  demanded  Glenn,  laughing. 

"  I  was  offered  two  dollars  a-piece  for  'em  as  we  came 
through  Indiana,"  replied  Sneak. 

"Here's  the  money,"  said  Glenn,  handing  him  tho 
amount.  After  receiving  the  cash,  Sneak  turned  away 


82  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

perfectly  satisfied,  and  seemed  not  to  bestow  another  thought 
upon  his  puppies. 

This  affair  had  hardly  been  settled  before  Joe  made  hia 
appearance  on  Pete.  He  rode  slowly  along  down  the  path, 
as  dolefully  as  ever  man  approache'd  the  graveyard.  As 
he  drew  near,  all  eyes  were  fixed  upon  him.  Never  were 
any  one's  features  so  much  disfigured.  His  nose  was  as 
large  as  a  hen's  egg,  and  as  purple  as  a  plum.  Still  it  was 
not  much  disproportioned  to  the  rest  of  his  swollen  face ; 
and  the  whole  resembled  the  unearthly  phiz  of  the  most 
bloated  gnome  that  watched  over  the  slumbers  of  Rip  Van 
Winkle. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Glenn's  castle — Mary — Books — A  hunt — Joe  and  Pete — A  tumble — An 
opo&sum — A  shot — Another  tumble: — A  doe — The  return — They  set  out 
again — A  mound — A  buffalo — An  encounter — Night — Terrific  spectacle 
— Escape — Boone — Sneak — Indians. 

SOME  weeks  had  passed  since  the  bear  hunt.  The  emi 
grants  had  crossed  the  river,  and  selected  their  future  homes 
in  the  groves  that  bordered  the  prairie,  some  miles  distant 
from  the  ferry.  Glenn,  when  landed  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Missouri,  took  up  his  abode  for  a  short  time  with  Jasper 
Roughgrove,  the  ferryman,  while  some  half  dozen  men, 
whose  services  his  gold  secured,  were  building  him  a  novel 
habitation.  And  the  location  was  as  singular  as  the  con 
struction  of  his  house.  It  was  on  a  peak  that  jutted  over 
the  river,  some  three  hundred  feet  high,  whence  he  had  a 
view  eight  or  ten  miles  down  the  stream,  and  across  the 
opposite  bottom-land  to  the  hills  mentioned  in  the  prcced 
ing  chapter.  The  view  was  obstructed  above  by  a  sudden 
bend  of  the  stream ;  but  on  the  south,  the  level  prairie  ran 
out  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  interrupted  only  by  thi1 
'W  young  groves  that  were  interspersed  at  intervals.  His 


A   NARRATIVE.  33 

house,  constructed  of  heavy  stones,  was  about  fifteen  feet 
square,  and  not  more  than  ten  in  height.  The  floor  was 
formed  of  hewn  timbers,  the  walls  covered  with  a  rough 
coat  of  lime,  and  the  roof  made  of  heavy  boards.  How 
ever  uncouth  this  abode  appeared  to  the  eye  of  Glenn,  yet 
he  had  followed  the  instructions  of  Boone,  (to  whom  he 
had  fully  disclosed  his  plan,  and  repeated  his  odd  resolu 
tion,)  and  reared  a  tenement  not  only  capable  of  resisting 
the  wintry  winds  that  were  to  howl  around  it,  but  suffi 
ciently  firm  to  withstand  the  attacks  of  any  foe,  whether 
the  wild  beast  of  the  forest  or  the  prowling  Indian.  The 
door  was  very  narrow  and  low,  being  made  of  a  solid  rock 
full  six  inches  in  thickness,  which  required  the  strength  of 
a  man  to  turn  on  its  hinges,  even  when  the  ponderous  bolt 
on  the  inside  was  unfastened.  There  was  a  small  square 
window  on  each  side  containing  a  single  pane  of  glass,  and 
made  to  be  secured  at  a  moment's  warning,  by  means  of 
thick  stone  shutters  on  the  inside.  The  fire-place  was 
ample  at  the  hearth,  but  the  flue  through  which  the  smoke 
escaped  was  small^  and  ran  in  a  serpentine  direction  up 
through  the  northern  wall ;  while  the  ceiling  was  overlaid 
with  smooth  flat  stones,  fastened  down  with  huge  iron  spikes, 
and  supported  by  strong  wooden  joists.  The  furniture  con 
sisted  of  a  few  trunks,  (which  answered  for  seats,)  two  camp 
beds,  four  barrels  of  hard  biscuit,  a  few  dishes  and  cooking 
utensils,  and  a  quantity  of  hunting  implements.  Many 
times  did  Joe  shake  his  head  in  wonderment  as  this  house 
was  preparing  for  his  reception.  It  seemed  to  him  too 
much  danger  was  apprehended  from  without,  and  it  too 
mudi  resembled  a  solitary  and  secure  prison,  should  one  be 
corflKed  within.  Nevertheless,  he  was  permitted  to  adopt 
his  own  plan  in  the  construction  of  a  shelter  for  the  horses. 
And  the  retention  of  these  animals  was  some  relief  to  his 
otherwise  gloomy  forebodings,  when  he  beheld  the  erection 
of  his  master's  suspicious  tenement.  He  superintended  the 
building  of  a  substantial  and  comfortable  stable.  He  had 
stalls,  a  small  granary,  and  a  regular  rack  made  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  horses,  and  procured,  with  difficulty 
»nd  no  little  expense,  a  supply  of  provender.  The  space, 
including  the  buildings,  which  had  been  cleared  of  the  roots 
»nd  stones,  for  the  purpose  of  cultivating  a  garden,  waa 
about  one  hundred  feet  in  diameter,  and  enclosed  by  a  cir- 


54  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

cular  row  of  posts  driven  firmly  in  the  ground,  and  rising 
some  ten  feet  above  the  surface.  These  were  planted  se 
closely  together  that  even  a  squirrel  would  have  found  it 
difficult  to  enter  without  climbing  over  them.  Indeed,  Joe 
had  an  especial  eye  to  this  department,  having  heard  some 
awful  tales  of  the  snakes  that  somewhat  abounded  in  those 
regions  in  the  warm  seasons. 

One  corner  of  the  stable,  wherein  a  quantity  of  straw 
was  placed,  was  appropriated  for  the  comfort  of  the  dogs, 
Ringwood  and  Jowler,  which  had  been  presented  to  Glenn 
by  his  obliging  friend,  after  they  had  exhibited  their  skill 
in  the  bear  hunt. 

When  every  thing  was  completed,  preparatory  for  hia 
removal  thither,  Glenn  dismissed  his  faithful  artisans,  be 
stowing  upon  them  a  liberal  reward  for  their  labour,  and 
took  possession  of  his  castle.  But,  notwithstanding  the 
etrange  manner  in  which  he  proposed  to  spend  his  days, 
and  his  habitual  grave  demeanour  and  taciturnity,  yet  his 
kind  tone,  when  he  uttered  a  request,  or  ventured  a  remark, 
on  the  transactions  passing  around  him,  and  his  contempt 
for  money,  which  he  squandered  with  a  prodigal  hand,  had 
secured  for  him  the  good-will  of  the  ferrymen,  and  the 
friendship  of  the  surrounding  emigrants.  But  there  was 
one  whose  esteem  had  no  venal  mixture  in  it.  This  was 
Mary,  the  old  ferryman's  daughter,  a  fair-cheeked  girl  of 
nineteen,  who  never  neglected  an  opportunity  of  perform 
ing  a  kind  office  for  her  father's  temporary  guest ;  and 
when  he  and  his  man  departed  for  their  own  tenement,  not 
venturing  directly  to  bestow  them  on  our  hero,  she  pre 
sented  Joe  with  divers  articles  for  their  amusemen^and 
comfort  in  their  secluded  abode,  among  which  were  sumlry 
live  fowls,  a  pet  fawn,  and  a  kitten. 

The  first  few  days,  after  being  installed  in  his  solitary 
home,  our  hero  passed  with  his  books.  But  he  did  not 
realize  all  the  satisfaction  he  anticipated  from  his  favourite 
authors  in  his  secluded  cell.  The  scene  around  him  con 
trasted  but  ill  with  the  creations  of  Shakspeare  ;  and  if 
Boine  of  the  heroes  of  Scott  were  identified  with  the  wildest 
features  of  nature,  he  found  it  impossible  to  look  around 
him  and  enjoy  the  magic  of  the  page  at  the  same  time. 

Joe  employed  himself  in  attending  to  his  horses,  feeding 
the  fowls  and  dogs,  and  playing  with  the  fawn  uad  kitten. 


A    NARRATIVE.  35 

He  alsc  practiced  loading  and  shooting  his  musket,  and 
endeavoured  to  learn  the  mode  of  doing  execution  on  other 
objects  without  committing  violence  on  himself. 

"Joe,"  said  Glenn,  one  bright  frosty  morning,  "saddle 
the  horses ;  we  will  make  an  excursion  in  the  prairie,  and 
see  what  success  we  can  have  without  the  presence  and 
assistance  of  an  experienced  hunter.  I  designed  awaiting 
the  visit  of  Boone,  which  he  promised  should  take  place 
about  this  time ;  but  we  will  venture  out  without  him ;  if 
we  kill  nothing,  at  least  we  shall  have  the  satisfaction  of 
doing  no  harm." 

Joe  set  off  towards  the  stable,  smiling  at  Glenn's  joke, 
and  heartily  delighted  to  exchange  the  monotony  of  his  do 
mestic  employment,  which  was  becoming  irksome,  for  the 
sports  of  the  field,  particularly  as  he  was  now  entirely  re 
covered  from  the  effects  of  his  late  disasters,  and  began  to 
grow  weary  of  wasting  his  ammunition  in  firing  at  a  target, 
when  there  was  an  abundance  of  game  in  the  vicinity. 

"  Whoop  !  Ringwood — Jowler  !"  cried  he,  leading  the 
horses  briskly  forth.  The  dogs  came  prancing  and  yelp 
ing  round  him,  as  well  pleased  as  himself  at  the  prospect 
of  a  day's  sport ;  and  when  Glenn  came  out  they  exhibited 
palpable  signs  of  recognition  and  eagerness  to  accompany 
their  new  master  on  his  first  deer-hunt.  Glenn  stroked 
their  heads,  which  were  constantly  rubbed  against  his  hands, 
and  his  caresses  were  gratefully  received  by  the  faithful 
hounds.  He  had  been  instructed  by  Boone  how  to  manage 
them,  so  as  either  to  keep  them  at  his  side  when  he  wished 
to  approach  the  game  stealthily,  or  to  send  them  forth  when 
rapid  pursuit  was  required,  and  he  was  now  anxious  to  test 
theinHagacity. 

When  mounted,  the  young  men  set  forward  in  a  southern 
direction,  the  valley  in  which  the  ferryman's  cabin  was 
situated  on  one  hand,  and  one  about  the  same  distance 
above  on  the  other.  But  the  space  between  them  gradually 
widened  as  they  progressed,  and  in  a  few  minutes  both 
disappeared  entirely,  terminating  in  scarcely  perceptible 
rivulets  running  slowly  down  from  the  high  and  levjl  prai 
rie.  Here  Glenn  paused  to  determine  what  course  he 
should  take.  The  sun  shone  brightly  on  the  interminable 
expanse  before  him,  and  not  a  breeze  ruffled  the  long  dry 
grass  around,  nor  disturbed  the.  few  sear  leaves  that  yet 


36  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

clung  to  the  diminutive  clusters  of  bushes  scattered  at  long 
intervals  over^the  prairie.  It  was  a  delightful  scene.  From 
the  high  position  of  our  hero,  he  could  distinguish  objects 
miles  distant  on  the  plain;  and  if  the  landscape  was  not 
enlivened  by  houses  and  domestic  herds,  he  could  at  »ii 
events  here  and  there  behold  parties  of  deer  browsing  peace 
fully  in  the  distance.  Ringwood  and  Jowler  also  saw  or 
occnted  them,  as  their  attention  was  pointed  in  that  direc 
tion  ;  but  so  far  from  marring  the  sport  by  prematurely 
running  forward,  they  knew  too  well  their  duty  to  leave 
their  master,  even  were  the  game  within  a  few  paces  of 
them,  without  the  word  of  command. 

"I  see  a  deer!"  cried  Joe,  at  length,  having  till  then 
been  employed  gathering  some  fine  wild  grapes  from  a 
neighbouring  vine. 

"  I  see  several,"  replied  Glenn  ;  "  but  how  we  are  to  get 
within  gun  shot  of  them,  is  the  question." 

"I  see  them,  too,"  said  Joe,  his  eyes  glistening. 

"  I  have  thought  of  a  plan,  Joe;  whether  right  or  wrong, 
is  not  very  material,  as  respects  the  exercise  we  are  seek 
ing  ;  but  I  am  inclined  to  believe  it  is  the  proper  one. 
It  will  at  all  events  give  you  a  fair  opportunity  of  killing  a 
deer,  as  you  will  have  to  fire  as  they  run,  and  the  great 
number  of  bullets  in  your  musket  will  make  you  more 
certain  to  do  execution  than  if  you  fired  a  rifle.  You  will 
proceed  to  yon  thicket,  about  a  thousand  yards  distant, 
keeping  the  bushes  all  the  time  between  you  and  the  deer. 
When  you  arrive  at  it  dismount,  and  after. tying  your  pony 
in  the  bushes  where  he  will  be  well  hid,  select  a  position 
whence  you  can  see  the  deer  when  they  run ;  I  think  they 
will  go  within  reach  of  your  fire.  I  will  make  a  ^tour 
beyond  them,  and  approach  from  the  opposite  side." 

"I'd  rather  not  tie  my  pony,"  said  Joe. 

"  Why  ?  he  would  not  leave  you,  even  were  he  to  got 
loose,"  replied  Glenn. 

"  I  don't  think  he  would — but  I'd  rather  not  leave  him. 
yet  awhile,  till  I  get  a  little  better  used  to  hunting,"  said 
Joe,  probably  thinking  there  might  be  some  danger  to  him 
self  on  foot  in  a  country  where  bears,  wolves,  and  panthers 
were  sometimes  seen. 

"Can  you  fire  while  sitting  on  your  pony?"  inquired 
Glenn 


Glenn  heard  a  tremendous  thumping  behind. — P.  37 


A    NARRATIVE.  37 

"I  suppose  so,"  said  Joe;  "though  I  never  thought  to 
fry  it  yet." 

"  Suppose  you  try  it  now,  while  I  watch  the  deer,  and 
eee  if  what  I  have  been  told  is  true,  that  the  mere  report 
of  a  gun  will  not  alarm  them." 

"Well,  I  will,"  said  Joe.  "I  think  Pete  knows  as  welj 
as  the  steed,  that  shooting  on  him  won't  hurt  him." 

"Fire  away,  then,"  said  Glenn,  looking  steadfastly  at 
the  deer.  Joe  fired,  and  none  of  the  deer  ran  off.  Some 
continued  their  playful  sports,  while  others  browsed  along 
without  lifting  their  heads ;  in  all  likelihood  the  report  did 
not  reach  them.  But  Glenn  heard  a  tremendous  thumping 
behind,  and  on  turning  round,  beheld  his  man  quietly  lying 
on  the  ground,  and  the  pony  standing  about  ten  paces  dis 
tant,  with  his  head  turned  towards  Joe,  his  ears  thrust  for 
wards,  his  nostrils  distended  and  snorting,  and  his  little  blue 
eyes  ready  to  burst  out  of  his  head.  ^. 

"How  is  this,  Joe?"  inquired  Glenn,  scarce  able  to  re 
press  a  smile  at  the  ridiculous  posture  of  his  man. 

"I  hardly  know  myself,"  replied  Joe,  casting  a  silly 
glance  at  his  treacherous  pony ;  and  after  examining  his 
limbs  and  finding  no  injury  had  been  sustained,  continued, 
"  I  fired  as  you  directed,  and  when  the  smoke  cleared 
away,  I  found  myself  lying  just  as  you  see  me  here.  I 
don't  know  how  Pete  contrived  to  get  from  under  me,  but 
there  he  stands,  and  here  I  lie." 

"Load  your  gun,  and  try  it  again,"  said  Glenn. 

"I'd  rather  not,"  said  Joe. 

"  Then  I  will,"  replied  Glenn,  whose  horsemanship  enabled 
him  to  retain  the  saddle  in  spite  of  the  struggles  of  Pete, 
who,  after  several  discharges,  submitted  and  bore  it  quietly. 

Joe  then  mounted  and  set  out  for  the  designated  thicket, 
while  Glenn  galloped  off  in  another  direction,  followed  by 
the  hounds. 

When  Joe  arrived  at  the  hazel  thicket,  he  continued  in 
the  saddle,  and  otherwise  he  would  not  have  been  able  to 
see  over  the  prairie  for  the  tall  grass  which  had  grown  very 
luxuriantly  in  that  vicinity.  There  was  a  path,  however, 
running  round  the  edge  of  the  bushes,  which  had  been 
tnade  by  the  deer  and  other  wild  animals,  arid  in  this  he 
cautiously  groped  his  way,  looking  out  in  every  direction 
for  the  deer.  When  he  had  progressed  about  halfway 


WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

he  espied  them  feeding  composedly,  about  three 
hundred  paces  distant,  on  a  slight  eminence.  There  were 
at  least  fifteen  of  them,  and  some  very  large  ones.  Fear 
ful  of  giving  the  alarm  before  Glenn  should  fire,  he  shielded 
himself  from  view  behind  a  cluster  of  persimmon  bushes, 
and  tasted  the  ripe  and  not  unpalatable  fruit.  And  here 
he  was  destined  to  win  his  first  trophy  as  a  hunter.  While 
bending  down  some  branches  over  head,  without  looking 
up,  an  opossum  fell  upon  his  hat,  knocking  it  over  his  eyes, 
and  springing  on  the  neck  of  Pete,  thence  leaped  to  the 
ground.  But  before  it  disappeared  Joe  had  dismounted, 
and  giving  it  a  blow  with  the  butt  of  his  musket  it  rolled 
over  on  its  side,  with  its  eyes  closed  and  tongue  hanging 
out,  indicating  that  the  stroke  had  been  fatal. 

"So  much  for  you!"  said  Joe,  casting  a  proud  look  at 
his  victim;  and  then  leaping  on  his' pony,  he  gazed  again, 
at  the  deer.  They  seemed  to  be  still  entirely  unconscious 
of  danger,  and  several  were  now  lying  in  the  grass  with 
their  heads  up,  and  chewing  the  cud  like  domestic  animals. 
Joe  drew  back  once  more  to  await  the  action  of  Glenn,  and 
turning  to  look  at  the  opossum,  found  to  his  surprise  that 
it  had  vanished! 

"  Well,  I'm  the  biggest  fool  that  ever  breathed !"  said  he, 
recollecting  the  craftiness  imputed  to  those  animals,  and 
searching  in  vain  for  his  game.  "If  ever  I  come  across 
another,  he'll  not  come  the  'possum  over  me,  I'll  answer 
for  it !"  he  continued,  somewhat  vexed.  At  this  juncture 
Glenn's  gun  was  heard,  and  Joe  observed  a  majority  of  the 
deer  leaping  affrighted  in  the  direction-  of  his  position.  The 
foremost  passed  within  twenty  yards  of  him,  and,  his  limbs 
trembling  with  excitement,  he  drew  his  gun  up  to  his 
shoulder  and  pulled  the  trigger.  It  snapped,  perhaps  for 
tunately,  for  his  eyes  were  convulsively  closed  at  the  mo 
ment;  and  recovering  measurably  by  the  time  the  next 
came  up,  this  trial  the  gun  went  off,  and  he  found  himself 
once  more  prostrate  on  the  ground. 

"What  in  the  world  is  the  reason  you  won't  stand  still !" 
he  exclaimed,  rising  and  seizing  the  pony  by  the  bit.  The 
only  answer  Pete  made  was  a  snort  of  unequivocal  dissatis 
faction.  "  Plague  take  your  little  hide  of  you!"  I  should 
have  killed  that  fellow  to  a  certainty,  if  you  hadn't  played 
the  fool!"  continued  ho,  still  addressing  hi?  pory  wl.le  he 


A   NARRATIVE.  39 

proceeded  to  load  his  gun.  When  ready  for  another  fire, 
he  mounted  again,  in  quite  an  ill  humour,  convinced  that 
all  chance  of  killing  a  deer  was  effectually  over  for  the 
present,  when,  to  his  utter  astonishment,  he  beheld  the  deer 
he  had  fired  at  lying  dead  before  him,  and  but  a  few  paces 
distant.  With  feelings  of  unmixed  delight  he  galloped  to 
where  it  lay,  and  springing  to  the  earth,  one  moment  he 
whirled  round  his  hat  in  exultation,  and  the  next  caressed 
Pete,  who  evinced  some  repugnance  to  approach  the  wel 
tering  victim,  and  snuffed  the  scent  of  blood  with  any  other 
sensation  than  that  of  pleasure.  Joe  discovered  that  no 
less  than  a  dozen  balls  had  penetrated  the  doe's  side,  (for 
such  it  was,)  which  sufficiently  accounted  for  its  immediate 
and  quiet  death,  that  had  so  eifectually  deceived  him  into 
the  belief  that  his  discharge  had  been  harmless.  He  now 
blew  his  horn,  which  was  answered  by  a  blast  from  Glenn, 
who  soon  came  up  to  announce  his  own  success  in  bringing 
down  the  largest  buck  in  the  party,  and  to  congratulate 
his  man  on  his  truly  remarkable  achievement. 

An  hour  was  consumed  in  preparing  the  deer  to  be  con 
veyed  to  the  house,  and  by  the  time  they  were  safely  de 
posited  in  our  hero's  diminutive  castle,  and  the  hunters, 
ready  to  issue  forth  in  quest  of  more  sport,  the  day  was  far 
advanced,  and  a  slight  haziness  of  the  atmosphere  dimmed 
[ii  a  great  measure  the  lustre  of  the  descending  sun. 

Animated  with  their  excellent  success,  they  anticipated 
much  more  sport,  inasmuch  as  neither  themselves  nor  the 
hounds  (which  hitherto  were  not  required  to  do  farther 
seivice  than  to  watch  one  of  the  deer  while  the  men  were 
engaged  with  the  other)  were  in  the  slightest  degree  fa 
tigued.  The  hours  flew  past  unnoticed,  while  the  young 
men  proceeded  gayly  outward  from  the  river  in  quest  of 
new  adventures. 

Glenn  and  his  man  rode  far  beyond  the  scene  of  their 
late  success  without  discovering  any  new  object  to  gratify 
their  undiminished  zest  for  the  chase.  It  seemed  that  the 
ieer  which  had  escaped  had  actually  given  intelligence  to 
.he  rest  of  the  arrival  of  a  deadly  foe  in  the  vicinity,  for  not 
~>ne  could  now  be  seen  in  riding  several  miles.  The  sun 
.v--).s  sinking  low  and  dim  in  the  west,  and  Glenn  was  on 
ipne  eve  of  turning  homeward,  when,  on  emerging  from  the 
fiat  praiiit;  to  a  slight  eminence  that  he  had  marked  as  tbt 


40  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

boundary  of  his  excursion,  he  beheld  at  no  great  distance 
an  enormous  mound,  of  pyramidical  shape,  which,  from  its 
isolated  condition,  he  could  not  believe  to  be  the  formation 
of  nature.  Curious  to  inspect  what  he  supposed  to  be  a 
stupendous  specimen  of  the  remains  of  former  generations 
of  the  aborigines,  he  resolved  to  protract  his  ride  and  ascend 
to  the  summit.  The  mound  was  some  five  hundred  feet  in 
diameter  at  the  base,  and  terminated  at  a  peak  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  height.  As  our  riders  ascended, 
with  some  difficulty  keeping  in  the  saddle,  they  observed 
the  earth  on  the  sides  to  be  mixed  with  flint-stones,  and 
many  of  them  apparently  having  once  been  cut  in  the  shape 
of  arrow-heads;  and  in  several  places  where  chasms  had 
been  formed  by  heavy  showers,  they  remarked  a  great 
many  pieces  of  bones,  but  so  much  broken  and  decayed 
they  could  not  be  certain  that  they  were  particles  of  human 
skeletons.  When  they  reached  the  summit,  which  was  not 
more  than  twenty  feet  in  width  and  entirely  barren,  a 
magnificent  scene  burst  in  view.  For  ten  or  fifteen  miles 
round  on  every  side,  the  eye  could  discern  oval,  oblong, 
and  circular  groves  of  various  dimensions,  scattered  over 
the  rich  virgin  soil.  The  gentle  undulations  of  the  prairie 
resembled  the  boundless  ocean  entranced,  as  if  the  long 
swells  had  been  suddenly  abandoned  by  the  wind,  and  yet 
remained  stationary  in  their  rolling  attitude. 

"What  think  you  of  the  view,  Joe?"  inquired  Glenn, 
after  regarding  the  scene  many  minutes  in  silence. 

"I've  been  watching  a  little  speck,  way  out  toward  the 
sun,  which  keeps  bobbing  up  and  down,  and  gets  bigger 
and  bigger,"  said  Joe. 

"I  mean  the  prospect  around,"  said  Glenn. 

"I  can't  form  an  opinion,  because  I  can't  see  the  end 
of  it,"  replied  Joe,  still  intently  regarding  the  object  re 
ferred  to. 

"That  is  an  animal  of  some  kind,"  observed  Glenn, 
marking  the  object  that  attracted  Joe. 

"And  a  wapper,  too;  when  I  first  saw  it  I  thought  it  waa 
a  rabbit,  and  now  it's  bigger  than  a  deer,  and  still  a  mile 
or  two  off,"  said  Joe. 

"We'll  wait  a  few  minutes,  and  see  what  it  is,"  replied 
Glenn,  checking  his  steed,  which  had  proceeded  a  few 
«teps  downward.  The  object  of  their  attention  held  its 


A    NARKATIVE.  41 

course  directly  towards  them,  and  as  it  drew  nearer  it  was 
easily  distinguished  to  be  a  very  large  buffalo,  an  animal 
then  somewhat  rare  so  near  the  white  man's  settlement, 
and  one  that  our  hero  had  often  expressed  a  wish  to  see. 
Its  dark  shaggy  sides,  protuberant  back  and  bushy  head, 
were  quite  perceptible  as  it  careered  swiftly  onward,  seem 
ingly  flying  from  some  danger  behind. 

"Down,  Ringwood!  Jowler!"  exclaimed  Glonn,  prepar 
ing  to  fire. 

"Down,  Joe,  too,"  said  Joe,  slipping  down  from  his  pony, 
preferring  not  to  risk  another  fall,  and  likewise  preparing 
to  fire. 

When  the  buffalo  reached  the  base  of  the  mound,  it  saw 
for  the  first  time  the  objects  above,  and  halted.  It  regarded 
the  men  with  more  symptoms  of  curiosity  than  alarm,  but 
as  it  gazed,  its  distressed  pantings  indicated  that  it  had 
been  long  retreating  from  some  object  of  dread. 

Meantime  both  guns  were  discharged,  and  the  contents 
undoubtedly  penetrated  the  animal's  body,  for  he  leapt  up 
right  in  the  air,  and  on  descending,  staggered  off  slowly  in 
a  course  at  right  angles  from  the  one  which  he  was  first 
pursuing.  Glenn  then  let  the  hounds  go  forth,  and  soon 
overtaking  the  animal,  they  were  speedily  forced  to  act  on 
the  defensive;  for  the  enormous  foe  wheeled  round  and 
pursued  in  turn.  Finding  the  hounds  were  too  cautious 
and  active  to  fall  victims  to  his  sharp  horns,  he  pawed  the 
earth,  and  uttered  the  most  horrific  bellowings.  As  Glenn 
and  Joe  rode  by  the  place  where  he  had  stood  when  they 
fired,  they  perceived  large  quantities  of  frothy  blood,  which 
convinced  them  that  he  had  received  a  mortal  wound.  They 
rode  on  and  paused  within  eighty  paces  of  where  he  now 
Stood,  and  calling  back  the  baying  hounds,  again  discharged 
their  guns.  The  buffalo  roared  most  hideously,  and  making 
a  few  plunges  towards  his  assailants,  fell  on  his  knees,  and 
the  next  moment  turned  over  on  his  side. 

"  Come  back,  Joe !"  cried  Glenn  to  his  man,  who  had 
mounted  and  wheeled  when  the  animal  rushed  towards 
themv  and  was  still  flying  away  as  fast  as  his  pony  could 
carry  him. 

"No — never!"  replied  Joe;  "I  won't  go  nigh  that  awful 
thing!  Don't  you  see  it's  getting  dark?  How'll  we  over 
find  the  way  home  again?" 


42  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

The  latter  remark  startled  Glenn,  for  he  had  lost  all  con 
sciousness  of  the  lateness  of  the  hour  in  the  excitement, 
and  to  his  dismay  had  also  lost  all  recollection  of  the  direc 
tion  of  his  dwelling,  and  darkness  had  now  overtaken  them ! 
While  pausing  to  reflect  from  which  quarter  they  first  ap* 
proached  the  mound,  the  buffalo,  to  his  surprise  and  no  little 
chagrin,  rose  up  and  staggered  away,  the  darkness  seen 
obscuring  him  from  view  altogether.  Glenn,  by  a  blast  of 
his  horn,  recalled  the  dogs,  and  joining  Joe,  set  off  much 
dispirited,  in  a  course  which  he  feared  was  not  the  correct 
one.  Night  came  upon  them  suddenly,  and  before  they 
Had  gone  a  mile  the  darkness  was  intense.  And  the  breath 
less  calm  that  had  prevailed  during  the  day  was  now  suc 
ceeded  by  fitful  winds  that  howled  mournfully  over  the  in 
terminable  prairie.  Interminable  the  plain  seemed  to  our 
benighted  riders,  for  there  was  still  no  object  to  vary  the 
monotony  of  the  cheerless  scene,  although  they  had  paced 
briskly,  and,  as  they  supposed,  far  enough  to  have  reached 
the  cliffs  of  the  river.  Nor  was  there  even  a  sound  heard 
as  they  rode  along,  save  the  muffled  strokes  of  their  horses' 
hoot's  in  the  dry  grass  that  covered  the  earth,  the  low  winds, 
and  an  occasional  cry  of  the  dogs  as  they  were  trodden 
upon  by  the  horses. 

Ere  long  a  change  came  over  the  scene.  About  two- 
thirds  of  the  distance  round  the  verge  of  the  horizon  a  faint " 
light  appeared,  resembling  the  scene  when  a  dense  curtain 
of  clouds  hangs  over  head,  and  the  rays  of  the  morning 
sun  steal  under  the  edge  of  the  thick  vapour.  But  the  stara 
could  be  seen,  and  the  only  appearance  of  clouds  was  im 
mediately  above  the  circle  of  light.  In  a  very  few  minutes 
the  terrible  truth  flashed  upon  the  mind  of  Glenn.  The 
dim  light  along  the  horizon  was  changed  to  an  approaching 
flame !  Columns  of  smoke  could  be  seen  rolling  upwards, 
while  the  fire  beneath  imparted  a  lurid  glare  to  them.  The 
wind  blew  more  fiercely,  and  the  fire  approached  from  al 
most  every  quarter  with  the  swiftness  of  a  race  horse.  The 
darkened  vault  above  became  gradually  illuminated  with  a 
crimson  reflection,  and  the  young  man  shuddered  with  the 
horrid  apprehension  of  being  burnt  alive  !  It  was  madness 
to  proceed  in  a  direction  that  must  inevitably  hasten  their 
fate,  the  fire  extending  in  one  unbroken  line  from  left  to 
right,  and  in  front  of  them;  and  they  turned  in  a  ccurss 


A    NARRATIVE.  43 

which  seemed  to  place  the  greatest  distance  between  tlnm 
and  the  furious  element.  Ever  and  anon  a  frightoned  deer 
or  elk  leaped  past.  The  hounds  no  longer  noticed  them, 
but  remained  close  to  the  horses.  The  leaping  flames  came 
in  awful  rapidity.  The  light  increased  in  brilliance,  and 
objects  were  distinguishable  far  over  the  prairie.  A  red 
glare  could  be  seen  on  the  sides  of  the  deer  as  they  bounded 
sver  the  tall,  dry  grass,  which  was  soon  to  be  no  longer  » 
refuge  for  them.  The  young  men  heard  a  low,  continued 
roar,  that  increased  every  moment  in  loudness,  and  looking 
in  the  direction  whence  they  supposed  it  proceeded,  they 
observed  an  immense,  dark,  moving  mass,  the  nature  of 
which  they  could  not  divine,  but  it  threatened  to  annihilate 
every  thing  that  opposed  it.  While  gazing  at  this  additional 
source  of  danger,  the  horses,  blinded  by  the  surrounding 
light,  plunged  into  a  deep  ditch  that  the  rain  had  washed 
in  the  rich  soil.  Neither  men  nor  horses,  fortunately,  were 
injured ;  and  after  several  ineffectual  efforts  to  extricate 
themselves,  they  here  resolved  to  await  the  coming  of  the 
fire.  Ringwood  and  Jowler  whined  fearfully  on  the  verge 
of  the  ditch  for  an  instant,  and  then  sprang  in  and  crouched 
trembling  at  the  feet  of  their  master.  The  next  instant  the 
dark,  thundering  mass  passed  over  head,  being  nothing 
less  than  an  immense  herd  of  buffalo  driven  forwards  by  the 
flames  !  The  horses  bowed  their  heads  as  if  a  thunderbolt 
was  passing.  The  fire  and  the  heavens  were  hid  from 
view,  and  the  roar  above  resembled  the  rush  of  mighty 
waters.  When  the  last  animal  had  sprung  over  the  chasm, 
Glenn  thanked  the  propitious  accident  that  thus  providen* 
tially  prevented  him  from  being  crushed  to  atoms,  and  ut 
tered  a  prayer  to  Heaven  that  he  might  by  a  like  means  be 
rescued  from  the  fiery  ordeal  that  awaited  him.  It  now 
occurred  to  him  that  the  accumulation  of  weeds  and  grass 
in  the  chasm,  which  saved  them  from  injury  when  falling 
in,  would  prove  fatal  when  the  flames  arrived !  And  after 
groping  some  distance  along  the  trench,  he  found  the  depth 
diminished,  but  the  fire  was  not  three  hundred  paces  dis 
tant  !  His  heart  sank  within  him  !  But  when  on  the  eve 
ci  returning  to  his  former  position,  with  a  resolution  to  re 
move  as  much  of  the  combustible  matter  as  possible,  a  gleam 
of  joy  spread  over  his  features,  as,  casting  a  glance  in  a 
contrary  direction  from  that  they  hii,d  recently  pursued,  h« 


4-1  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

beheld  the  identical  mound  he  had  ascended  before  dark, 
and  from  which  his  unsteady  and  erratic  riding  in  the  night 
had  fortunately  prevented  a  distant  separation.  They  now 
led  their  horses  forth,  and  mounting  without  delay,  whipped 
forward  for  life  or  death.  Could  the  summit  of  the  mound 
be  attained  they  were  in  safety — for  there  the  soil  was  not 
encumbered  with  decayed  vegetation — and  they  spurred 
their  animals  to  the  top  of  their  speed.  It  was  a  noble 
sight  to  see  the  majestic  white  steed  flying  towards  the 
mound  with  the  velocity  of  the  wind,  while  the  diminutive 
pony  miraculously  followed  in  the  wake  like  an  inseparable 
shadow.  The  careering  flames  were  not  far  behind;  and 
when  the  horses  gained  the  summit  arid  Glenn  looked  back, 
the  fire  had  reached  the  base! 

"I  thank  all  the  saints  at  once!"  exclaimed  Joe,  dis 
mounting  and  falling  on  his  knees. 

"Thank  your  pony's  legs,  also,"  remarked  Glenn,  smil 
ing. 

"Was  there  ever  such  a  blessed  deliverance !"  said  Joe, 
panting. 

"Was  there  ever  such  a  lucky  tumble  into  a  ditch!"  re 
plied  Glenn,  with  spirits  more  buoyant  than  usual. 

"Was  there  ever  an  old  hunter  so  much  deceived!"  said 
a  voice  a  few  paces  down  that  side  of  the  cone  least  exposed 
to  the  glare  of  the  fire,  and  so  much  in  the  shadow'  of  the  peak 
that  the  speaker  was  not  perceived  from  the  position  of  the 
young  men.  But  as  soon  as  the  words  were  uttered,  Ring- 
wood  and  Jowler  sprang  from  the  horses'  heels  where  they 
had  lain  panting,  and  rushed  in  the  direction  of  the  speaker, 
whom  they  accosted  with  marks  of  joyful  recognition. 

"It  is  Boone!"  exclaimed  Glenn,  leaping  from  his  horse, 
and  running  forward  to  his  friend,  who  was  now  seen  to 
rise  up,  and  a  moment  after  his  horse,  that  had  been  pros 
trate  and  still,  was  likewise  on  his  feet. 

"Ha!  ha !  ha!  You  have  played  me  a  fine  trick,  truly," 
laughingly  remarked  Boone,  returning  their  hearty  saluta 
tions. 

"How?"  inquired  Glenn. 

"In  the  first  place,  to  venture  forth  before  my  arrival; 
in  the  next  to  inspire  me  with  the  belief  that  I  was  on  the 
eve  of  encountering  a  brace  of  Indians.  But  I  will  begin 
at  the  beginning.  When  I  crossed  the  river  and  reached 


A   NARRATIVE.  45 

your  hut,  (which  is  indeed  impregnable,)  1  was  astonished 
to  find  you  had  gone  forth  to  hunt  without  a  guide ;  and  not 
so  much  fearing  you  would  be  lost,  should  night  overtake 
you,  as  apprehending  serious  danger  from  the  fire,  the  ap 
proach  of  which  I  anticipated  long  before  night,  from  the 
peculiar  complexion  of  the  atmosphere,  I  set  out  on  your 
trai-1,  in  hopes  of  overtaking  you  before  the  shades  of  even 
ing  set  in ;  but  darkness  coming  on,  I  could  trace  you  no 
farther  than  to  this  mound.  In  vain  did  I  endeavour  to 
ascertain  which  direction  you  then  travelled ;  but  resolving 
not  to  abandon  the  search,  I  continued  cruising  about  'the 
prairie  until  the  near  approach  of  the  fire  forced  me  to  re 
treat  hither.  It  was  when  urging  my  horse  to  his  utmost 
speed  that  I  beheld  you  and  your  bear-hunter  charging 
from  another  direction,  and  from  the  partial  view,  as  we 
were  all  under  whip,  (and  knowing  the  Osages  were  not 
far  off,)  I  was  instantly  convinced  that  you  were  savages. 
Arriving  first,  I  made  my  sagacious  horse  lie  down,  and 
then  concealed  myself  behind  his  body." 

"I  am  not  only  rejoiced  that  we  were  not  the  savages 
yousupposed,(for  then  Joe  and  I  must  have  perished  in  the 
flames  somewhere,)  on  our  own  account,  but  for  the  sake 
of  the  only  man  who  can  possibly  extricate  us  from  this 
dilemma,"  replied  Glenn. 

"You  are  somewhat  wide  of  the  mark  as  respects  my 
jeopardy,  my  lad,"  said  Boone ;  "for  had  you  been  hostile 
Osages,  most  assuredly  ere  this  you  had  both  been  killed." 

"Good  gracious!"  exclaimed  Joe,  whose  predicament 
suddenly  flashed  upon  his  mind  ;  "  for  Heaven's  sake  let  us 
get  home  as  fast  as  possible  !  He  says  the  Indians  are 
about!  Do  let  us  go,  Mr.  Glenn;  we  can  travel  now  out 
yonder  where  the  grass  has  all  been  burnt." 

"Pshaw!  You  seem  more  alarmed  now,  Joe,  than  when 
there  really  was  danger.  Are  the  Osages  truly  hostile  ?" 
continued  Glenn,  addressing  Boone. 

"They  are  not  at  war  with  the  whites,  as  a  nation,"  re 
plied  Boone,  ever  and  anon  looking  towards  the  only  point 
froui  which  the  fire  now  approached  ;  "  but  in  thin  settle 
ments,  where  they  may  easily  be  the  strongest  party,  as 
roving  brigands,  they  may  be  considered  extremely  dan 
gerous.  Your  man's  advice  is  not  bad." 


40  TVILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  T»  ere !  Don't  you  hear  that  ?  Now,  do  let's  go  home  V 
continued  Joe,  with  increased  alarm. 

fortunately,  that  portion  of  the  plain  over  which  the 
scathing  element  had  spent  its  fury  was  the  direction  the 
party  should  pursue  in  retracing  their  way  homeward. 

The  light  dry  grass  had  been  soon  consumed,  and  the 
earth  wore  a  blackened  appearance,  and  was  as  smooth  as 
if  vegetation  had  never  covered  the  surface.  As  the  party 
rode  briskly  along,  (and  the  pony  now  ke'pt  in  advance,) 
the  horses'  hoofs  rattled  as  loudly  on  the  baked  ground  as 
if  it  were  a  plank  floor.  The  reflection  of  the  fire  in  the 
distance  still  threw  a  lurid  glare  over  the  extended  heath. 
'As  the  smoke  gradually  ascended,  objects  could  be  dis 
cerned  at  a  great  distance,  and  occasionally  a  half-roasted 
deer  or  elk,  was  seen  plunging  about,  driven  to  madness 
by  its  tortures.  And  frequently  they  found  the  dead 
bodies  of  smaller  animals  that  could  find  no  safety  in 
flight.' 

"  What's  that?"  cried  Joe,  reining  up  his  pony,  and  gaz 
ing  at  a  huge  dark  object  ahead. 

"A  prize,  to  which  we  are  justly  entitled!"  exclaimed 
Glenn,  riding  forward,  on  discovering  it  to  be  the  buffalo 
(now  dead)  that  they  had  fired  upon  early  in  the  evening, 
and  which  circumstance  he  was  relating  to  Boone  at  the 
moment  of  the  discovery  by  Joe. 

"  You  have  not  only  been  lucky  as  hunters,"  said  Boone, 
as  they  dismounted  to  inspect  the  animal,  (which  was  an 
enormous  bull,)  "but,  what  is  extraordinary  indeed,  when 
you  find  your  fallen  game,  it  is  already  cooked  !" 

"  Huzza  for  us  !"  cried  Joe,  momentarily  forgetting  the 
Indians,  in  his  extravagant  joy  of  having  aided  in  killing 
the  animal,  and  at  the  same  time  leaping  astride  of  it. 

"  The  wolves  have  been  here  before  us,"  observed  Boone, 
seeing  a  large  quantity  of  the  buffalo's  viscera  on  the 
ground,  which  he  supposed  had  been  torn  out  by  those 
ravenous  animals. 

"Oh!  oh!  oh!  oh!"  exclaimed  Joe,  leaping  up,  and 
running  a  few  steps,  and  then  tumbling  down  and  continu 
ing  his  cries. 

"What  has  hurt  the  fellow  so  badly?"  inquired  Glenn, 
walking  round  from  the  back  of  the  animal  to  the  front. 
The  woris  were  scarcely  uttered  before  he  likewise  sprang 


A    NARRATIVE.  47 

away,  hastily,  as  he  beheld  a  pronged  instrument  thrust 
from  the  orifice  in  the  body  whence  the  bowels  had  been 
extracted ! 

"  Dod  !  I  wonder  if  it's  wolves  or  Injins  !"  exclaimed  a 
voice  within  the  cavity  of  the  huge  body. 

"I've  heard  that  voice  before — it  must  be  Sneak's," 
said  Boone,  laughing  heartily. 

Now  the  buffalo  was  observed  to  quiver  slightly,  and  after 
some  exertion  to  extricate  himself,  the  long  snake-like  form 
of  the  redoubtable  "Hatchet-face"  came  forth  and  stood 
erect  before  the  gaping  mouth  and  staring  eyes  of  Joe. 

"  If  I  didn't  hear  a  white  man  speak,  I  wish  I  may  be 
singed!"  exclaimed  Sneak,  wiping  the  moisture  from  his 
face,  and  rolling  his  eyes  round. 

"What  did  you  stick  that  sharp  thing  in  the  calf  of  my 
leg  for  ?"   demanded  Joe,  shaking  his  head  threateningly 
and  coming  forward. 

"  He  !  he  !  he  !  That's  revenge  for  shooting  my  pups," 
replied  £>neak. 

"But  how  came  you  here?"  inquired  Boone. 

"I  was  taking  a  hunt" — here  Boone  interrupted  him  by 
asking  where  his  gun  was.  "I  had  no  gun,"  said  Sneak; 
and  then  stooping  down  and  running  his  arm  into  the  body 
of  the  buifalo,  he  produced  a  pronged  spear,  about  four  feet 
in  length;  "  this,"  he  continued,  "is  what  I  hunted  with, 
and  I  was  hunting  after  muskrats  in  the  ponds  out  here, 
when  the  fire  came  like  blazes,  and  like  to  'ave  ketched 
me  !  I  dropped  all  the  muskrats  I  had  stuck,  and  streaked 
it  for  about  an  hour  towards  the  river.  But  it  gained  on 
me  like  lightning,  and  I'd  'ave  been  in  a  purty  fix  if  1 
hadn't  come  across  this  dead  bull.  I  out  with  my  kmfa 
and  was  into  him  in  less  than  no  time — but  split  me, 
if  I  didn't  feel  the  heat  of  the  fire  as  I  pulled  in  my  feet ' 
1  knew  the  Injins  was  about,  by  the  buffalo;  and  the  tar 
nation  wolves,  too,  are  always  everywhere,  and  that  ac 
counts  for  my  jobbing  that  feller's  leg  when  he  sot  down  on 
tcp  of  me." 

Glenn's  laughter  at  the  above  narration  was  arrested  by 
Boone,  who  placed  one  hand  on  his  shoulder,  and  with  the 
<:ther  pointed  out  towards  the  fire  about  a  mile  distant,  be- 
tore  which  and  thrown  in  relief  by  the  flames  could  be  dis- 
••iactly  discerned  the  flitting  forms  of  a  band  of  savages  1  A 


18  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

number  were  mounted,  and  others  could  be  seen  on  foct, 
and  all  moving  about  in  various  directions  round  a  large 
herd  of  buffalo,  which  occasionally  made  a  stand  to  resist 
the  foe  that  harassed  them  on  all  sides,  but  were  soon  driven 
forward  again  by  the  flames.  Now  a  mounted  chief  could 
be  seen  to  ride  boldly  up  within  a  few  paces  of  the  dark 
mass  of  animals,  and  drawing  his  arrow  to  the  head,  dis 
charge  it,  shaft  and  all,  into  the  defenceless  side  of  his 
victim.  The  enraged  animal  thus  pursued  either  fell  or 
rushed  furiously  on  its  foe ;  but  the  skilful  savage,  by  a 
dexterous  turn  or  sudden  leap,  seemed  to  avoid  him  with 
ease,  and  flying  round,  sent  forth  another  barbed  messenger 
as  he  careered  at  full  speed. 

"As  I'm  afoot,  I'll  go  ahead  !"  cried  Sneak,  starting  off 
at  a  gait  that  verified  his  words. 

"Good  gracious!"  exclaimed  Joe,  leaping  on  his  ponj 
and  whipping  after  Sneak,  while  Boone  and  Glenn  followed 
in  a  brisk  gallop. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  ret.reit — Joe  makes  a  mysterious  discovery — Mary — A  disclosure — 
Supper — Sleep — A  cat — Joe's  flint — The  watch — Mary — The  bush — 
The  attack — Joe's  musket  again — The  repulse — The  starting  rally — 
The  desperate  alternative — Relief. 

THE  guidance  of  Sneak  was  infallible.  Ere  long  the 
party  reached  the  vicinity  of  the  river,  which  was  indicated 
by  the  tall  trees  and  the  valleys,  and  all  apprehensions  of 
immediate  danger  subsiding,  they  slackened  their  pace. 

Sneak,  though  not  so  much  distressed  as  the  panting 
horses,  fell  back,  and  entered  into  conversation  with  Boone 
relative  to  tne  probable  operations  of  the  Indians,  while 
Joe  continued  some  little  distance  in  advance,  apparently 
wrapped  in  contemplation  of  the  recent  scenes  thaS  had 
so  much  astonished  him.  When  he  was  within  aoout  a 


A   NARRATIVE.  4S 

hundred  paces  of  his  long-wished  for  home,  he  thought  he 
saw  an  object  moving  about  in  front  of  the  palisade.  He 
checked  his  pony  for  an  instant ;  but  convinced  that  the 
savages  could  not  possibly  have  arrived  already,  he  again 
whipped  onward,  inclined  to  beliove  it  to  be  nothing  more 
than  a  phantom  of  the  brain.  But  when  he  proceeded  a  few 
steps  farther,  his  pony  stopped  suddenly  and  snorted,  while 
a  being,  which  he  could  not  exactly  define,  was  distinctly 
Been  to  rise  up  and  glide  swiftly  out  of  view  round  the  in- 
closure. 

"Who's  that!"  shouted  he,  and  at  the  same  time  look 
ing  eagerly  back  at  his  companions,  whose  near  approach 
induced  him  to  maintain  his  position. 

"  Go  on,  Joe  !  What's  the  matter  ?"  remarked  Glenn, 
the  head  of  his  steed  having  passed  over  the  back  of  the 
pony  as  he  stood  across  the  path  and  blocked  up  the  way. 

"  I  beg  to  be  excused !  As  sure  as  I'm  alive,  I  saw  an 
Indian  run  round  towards  the  gate  !"  replied  Joe. 

"Foller  me,"  said  Sneak,  poising  his  spear  in  the  air, 
and  advancing. 

"  Thank  Heaven,  it's  you !"  exclaimed  the  mysterious 
object,  coming  forward  fearlessly,  on  hearing  the  men's 
voices. 

"  Dod  rot  your  cowardly  skin!"  said  Sneak,  after  looking 
at  the  approaching  form  and  turning  £p  Joe,  "how  dare  you 
to  be  frightened  at  sich  a  thing  as  that — a  female  woman!" 

"  It  was  not  me — it  was  my  pony,  you  great " 

"  What  ?"  asked  Sneak,  sharply,  turning  abruptly  round, 
as  they  paused  at  the  gate. 

"You  great  long  buffalo  tapeworm  !"  said  Joe,  alighting 
on  the  side  of  the  pony  opposite  to  his  quarrelsome  com 
panion,  and  then  going  forward  and  opening  the  gate  in 
silence. 

"  What  brings  thee  hither  at  this  late  hour,  Mary?"  in 
quired  Glenn,  on  recognizing  the  ferryman's  daughter. 

"Nothing — only — I" — stammered  the  abashed  girl,  who 
had  expected  only  to  see  our  hero  and  his  man. 

"  Speak  out,  lass,  if  you  have  any  thing  important  to  say, 
remarked  Boone,  when  they  entered  the  inclosure,  placing 
his  hand  encouragingly  on  the  girl's  head. 

Mary  still  hesitated,  and  Boone  was  no  little  puzzled  tc 
conjecture  rightly  what  it  was  she  intended  to  impart ;  but 

5 


50  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

he  was  convinced  it  must  be  something  of  no  ordinary 
nature  that  would  induce  a  maiden  of  reputed  timidity  to 
leave  her  father's  hut  at  a  late  hour  of  the  night. 

"Now  tell  me,  Mary,  what  it  was  you  wished  to  say," 
remarked  Glenn,  addressing  her  in  a  playful  tone,  when 
they  were  seated  in  the  house,  and  a  lamp  suspended  against 
the  Avail  was  lighted. 

"  I  did  not  expect  to  find  Mr.  Boone  and  Sneak  with  yon 
— and  now " 

"  What?"  inquired  Glenn,  much  moved  by  her  paleness, 
and  the  throbbing  of  her  breast,  which  now  seemed  to  be 
gradually  subsiding. 

"  Nothing — only  you  and  Joe  are  both  safe  now,"  she 
replied,  with  her  eyes  cast  down. 

'•Were  we  in  danger?  How  are  we  safe?"  inquired 
Glenn,  regarding  her  words  as  highly  mysterious. 

"Everybody  is  safe  where  Mr.  Boone  is,"  replied  Mary, 

"But  what  was  the  danger,  my  pretty  lass?"  inquired 
Boone,  playfully  taking  her  hand. 

"  Why  Posin,  one  of  father's  boatmen " 

"  Speak  on,  lass — I  know  Posin  to  be  an  unfeeling  wretch, 
and  a  half-blood  Indian ;  but  he  is  also  known  to  be  a  great 
coward,  and  surely  no  harm  could  have  been  feared  from 
him,"  said  Boone. 

"  But  I  heard  him  speaking  to  himself  when  I  was  filling 
my  pitcher  at  the  spring,  and  he  was  standing  behind  some 
rocks,  where  he  couldn't  see  me,  and  didn't  think  any  one 
was  within  hearing." 

"  What  said  he  ?"  inquired  Glenn,  impatiently,  and  much 
interested  in  the  anticipated  disclosure,  for  he  had  often 
remarked  the  satanic  expression  of  Posin's  features. 

"  These  were  his  words :  '  The  Osages  will  be  here  before 
to-morrow  morning.  If  Raven,  the  chief,  will  go  halves 
with  me,  I'll  tell  him  .how  much  money  the  young  men  have, 
and  help  to  get  it !'  Sach  were  his  very  words  !"  continued 
Mary,  her  dark  eyes  assuming  a  brightness,  and  her  voice 
^  boldness  unwonted  on  ordinary  occasions,  as  she  pro 
ceeded:  "He  then  started  off  towards  the  prairie  with  his 
rifle,  and  nobody  has  seen  him  since.  I  told  father  about  it 
but  he  wouldn't  believe  there  was  any  danger ;  and  when 
night  came,  he  told  me  not  to  be  uneasy,  but  to  sleep  like 
a  good  girl.  I  did  lie  down,  for  I  never  like  to  disobey 


A   NARRATIVE.  51 

my  father ;  but  I  couldn't  sleep,  and  so  I  got  up  and  came 
here  to  wait  till  you  returned,  to  tell  you  all  about  it." 

"  Thanks,  Mary — I  shall  never  forget  your  kindness," 
said  Glenn,  as  much  affected  by  her  simplicity  and  gentle 
ness  as  at  the  threatened  danger. 

"You're  a  sweet  lass;  God  bless  you,  Mary!"  said 
Boone,  kissing  her  smooth  forehead.  "  Now  run  home  and 
go  to  sleep,  child  ;  we  will  be  on  our  guard.  As  for  you, 
your  father  is  respected  by  all  the  Indians,  and  therefore 
your  own  safety  will  be  best  secured  under  his  protection." 

"I  will  accompany  you  to  the  hut,"  said  Glenn,  as  the 
girl  bid  them  good  night,  and  was  about  departing. 

"Oh  no — I'm  used  to  going  alone,"  said  Mary,  promptly 
declining  the  proposition. 

"  She  speaks  truly,  and  it  is  unnecessary,"  said  Boone, 
as  the  maiden  bowed  and  disappeared. 

The  party  then  fastened  the  gate  and  secured  themselves 
within  the  stone  house.     Joe  petitioned  Glenn  to  permit 
him  to  bring  in  the  dogs,  and  Sneak  seconded  the  motion, . 
proposing  to  lie  with  them  before  the  fire. 

After  a  hearty  repast,  Boone  and  Glenn  retired  to  their 
couches  in  quest  of  repose,  so  much  needed  after  the  ex 
ercises  of  the  day.  Nor  was  it  long  before  they  were 
steeped  in  that  deep  and  solemn  slumber  which  throws  a 
mysterious  veil  over  the  senses,  obscuring  from  the  vision 
all  objects  of  an  unpleasant  nature,  relieving  the  mind  of 
the  cares  that  may  have  pressed  heavily  upon  it  during 
the  day,  and  at  the  same  time  by  the  gentlest  process  re 
freshing  and  reinvigorating  the  weary  faculties  for  renewed 
exertion. 

Silence  brooded  over  the  fireside  scene.  The  lamp  threw 
a  dim  ray  around  its  small  flame  unruffled  by  the  confined 
and  motionless  air*  The  fawn  was  coiled  in  a  sleeping 
posture  under  its  master's  bed,  while  the  kitten  purred 
upon  its  velvet  back.  On  one  side  of  the  hearth  lay  Sneak, 
his  head  pillowed  upon  one  of  the  hounds,  while  the  other 
elept  against  his  back.  Joe  was  the  only  one  present  who 
had  not  fallen  under  the  magic  influence  of  slumber. 
Hitherto  he  had  yielded  to  a  more  powerful  impulse — that 
of  the  appetite — and  he  now  sat  upon  a  low  stool  on  the 
corner  of  the  hearth  opposite  to  Sneak,  his  back  leaning 
rgairist  the  side  of  the  fireplace,  holding  in  his  left  hand  a 


52  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES  : 

pewter  platter,  and  in  his  right  a  rib  of  the  deer  he  had 
Killed,  well  cooked,  which  he  raised  to  his  mouth  occasion 
ally,  and  sometimes  at  very  long  intervals,  between  the 
approaches  of  the  sleep  which  was  gradually  overpowering 
him.  Once,  when  his  eyelids  sank  heavily  and  closed,  and 
the  platter  rested  on  his  lap,  and  his  right  hand,  still  clench 
ing  th,e  savoury  bone,  fell  powerless  at  his  side — Kingwood, 
in  his  hard  breathing,  chanced  to  snuff  up  some  ashes  that 
caused  him  to  sneeze.  Joe  started  at  the  sound,  and  after 
rolling  his  eyes  round  once  or  twice  and  finding  all  right, 
raised  the  bone  once  more  to  his  mouth  and  set  his  jaws 
again  in  motion. 

;'  Dod,  man  !  are  you  going  to  chaw  all  night  ?"  asked 
Sneak,  awakened  by  the  motion  of  Ringwood,  and  looking 
up  at  the  face  of  Joe  in  astonishment. 

"  I  had  nothing  to  eat  all  day,"  replied  Joe,  fishing  for 
a  cracker  floating  in  the  greasy  platter. 

"  But  ain't  you  a-going  to  sleep  some  ?"  asked  Sneak, 
half  unconsciously,  the  final  utterance  smothered  in  a  gut- 
'tural  rumble  as  he  again  sank  back  on  his  canine  pillow. 

"  Yes,  when  I've  got  my  supper,"  replied  Joe  lazily,  and 
indistinctly,  with  one  end  of  the  bone  in  his  mouth.  But 
it  was  not  long  before  he  again  nodded,  and  his  hand  with 
the  bone  in  it  was  once  more  lowered  softly  down  at  his 
side.  He  was  soon  palpably  fast  asleep.  And  now  the 
kitten,  having  finished  its  nap,  came  with  a  noiseless  tread 
to  the  comfortable  fire,  humming  its  low  unvaried  song ; 
arid,  rubbing  its  soft  side  against  the  head  of  Jowler,  finally 
crouched  down  before  the  embers,  with  its  feet  drawn  un 
der  it,  and  its  eyes  apparently  watching  the  brilliant  sparks 
that  ever  and  anon  flew  up  the  chimney.  But  ere  long  it 
scented  the  well-flavoured  viand  that  dangled  in  the  vicinity, 
and  after  casting  a  glance  at  the  face  of  Joe,  and  being 
satisfied  that  he  was  insensible  to  all  external  objects,  steal 
thily  began  to  gnaw  the  end  of  the  bone  that  rested  on  the 
hearth.  As  long  as  it  had  in  mind  the  fear  of  interruption, 
it  was  permitted  to  feast  moderately  ;  but  when  its  ravenous 
propensity  urged  it  to  more  active  and  vigorous  operations, 
Joe  once  more  opened  his  eyes,  and  after  looking  slowly 
around,  but  not  down,  again  attempted  to  raise  the  rib  to 
ais  mouth. 

"Hello! — augh !  scat!"  he  cried,  leaping  up  violently. 


A   XARRATIVE.  53 

jJid  Slot  :mprcsL;ion  was  that  the  Tndl.M.s,  abouc  whom  he 
had  been  drtaonng,  were  upon  him ;  hla  next  that  a  rattle 
snake  clujg  to  his  finger :  and  finally,  finding  it  to  be  the 
kitten  bestowing  some  scratches  on  the  hand  that  sough* 
to  bereave  it  of  its  prize,  he  uttered  the  latter  exclamation, 
first  in  rage ;  but  pleased  that  his  condition  was  no  worse, 
soon  after  called  the  poor  frightened  pet  to  him,  and  with 
one  or  two  caresses  gave  it  the  bone,  and  then  resigned 
himself  to  unrestrained  slumber. 

They  were  all  aroused  in  the  morning  by  the  snorting  of 
the  ^horses  without,  and  the  growling  and  sharp  yelping  af 
the  hounds  within. 

"What's  the  matter  with  the  horses  and  dogs,  Joe?" 
inquired  Glenn,  rising  from  his  couch. 

"I  don't  know  what  ails  the  foolish  things.  I  know  that 
I  fed  the  horses;  and  as  for  Ringwood  and  Jowler,  I'll 
soon  kick  them  out.  Let'  go  my  ankle  !"  exclaimed  he, 
turning  to  Sneak,  who  caught  hold  of  him  as  he  rose  to 
approach  the  door. 

"Don't  open  the  door  yet,"  said  Boone,  who  had  been 
listening  to  the  sounds  outside,  and  then  continued  in  an 
under  tone,  addressing  Glenn:  "They  are  certainly  here; 
but  whether  or  not  with  an  evil  intent  I  am  unable  to  de 
termine." 

"  Oh  goodness  !  It's  the  Indians !"  exclaimed  Joe,  yield 
ing  to  sudden  alarm,  having  momentarily  forgotten  the  an 
ticipated  danger  when  he  proposed  opening  the  door. 

"  Keep  your  mouth  shet !"  said  Sneak,  listening  with  hia 
ear  placed  near  the  floor  behind  the  door. 

"How  many  do  you  make  them  out  to  be  ?"  inquired 
Boone,  when  Sneak  had  occupied  his  position  a  few  ini- 
utes. 

"  It's  all  right !"  replied  Sneak,  eagerly;  "there  is  only 
two  or  three  of  'em,  and  old  Roughgrove's  out  there  talk 
ing  to  'em !  How  do  you  open  the  door  ?  Let  me  out !" 

The  door  was  opened  with  reluctance  and  cautiously  by 
Joe,  and  Sneak  going  foremost  all  the  party  sallied  out  into 
the  fresh  air.  A  snow  of  several  inches  in  depth  had  fallen, 
and  within  the  circle  enclosed  by  the  palisade  not  a  single 
track  was  to  be  seen.  Bat  when  the  gate  was  drawn  back, 
aeveral  Osage  Indians  were  observed  standing  a  few  ;  aces 
distant  with  their  tomahawks  hung  in  their  behs,  and  i 

5* 


64  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

of  exhibiting  any  symptoms  of  hostility,  they  approached 
smiling,  and  extended  the  hand  of  friendship  to  the  whites. 

"How  do  !"  exclaimed  the  leader,  in  imperfect  English, 
grasping  the  hands  held  out  in  salutation,  while  his  actions 
were  imitated  by  the  others  in  silence. 

"  I'm  very  well,  I  thank  you,"  said  Joe,  bowing  and 
retreating  backwards  when  they  accosted  him,  unwilling  to 
venture  his  hand  within  their  reach,  as  Glenn  and  the  rest 
did. 

"  Shake  hands  with  them,  you  silly  fellow,"  said  Boone, 
"or  they  will  think  you  are  an  enemy." 

"  Here,  Mr.  Osage  !"  said  Joe,  his  teeth  chattering  aS  he 
extended  his  hand ;  and  the  Indian,  perceiving  his  alarm, 
squeezed  it  so  tightly  for  merriment  that  he  was  on  the  eve 
of  crying  out ;  and  when  liberated,  he  sprang  violently 
back,  much  inclined  to  run  away,  to  their  great  amusement. 

"That  is  Raven,  the  chief,"  remarked  Roughgrove  to 
Glenn,  pointing  to  the  one  that  first  addressed  them,  arid 
who  was  now  conversing  with  Boone,  whom  he  seemed  to 
fcnow,  or  to  have  been  familiar  with  his  character,  from  his 
animated  gestures  and  the  excited  expression  of  his  features. 
Sneak  stood  in  silence,  a  convenient  distance  apart,  appa 
rently  gleaning  intelligence  from  the  conference.  The  chief 
(as  are  the  members  of  this  tribe  generally)  was  extremely 
dark,  tall,  athletic,  and  wore  a  ferocious  aspect,  while  the 
few  followers  with  him  manifested  a  curosity  to  examine 
the  apparel  and  accoutrements  of  the  whites,  but  without 
betraying  any  signs  of  an  evil  disposition. 

"Are  there  not  more  of  them  in  the  vicinity  ?"  inquired 
Glenn. 

"  Yes — quite  a  large  party,"  said  Roughgrove  ;  "  but 
Raven  said  he  did  not  wish  to  intimidate  the  whites  by 
showing  them,  without  first  extending  the  hand  of  friend 
ship  himself.  They  profess  to  entertain  the  kindest  feel 
ing  towards  us,  and  propose  through  their  chiefs  to  traffic 
their  furs  and  moccasins  for  such  goods  as  we  may  be  dis 
posed  to  give  them  in  return." 

"  I  do  not  see  your  oarsman,  Posin,''  remarked  Glenn, 
the  disclosure  of  Mary  occurring  to  him — and  then  accosted 
Mary  herself,  who  now  joined  them  with  her  eyes  cast  dowr 
iw  t  oparent  bashfulriess. 

'•  His  absence  is  a  mystery  to  me,"  replied  the  oH  ferry 


A    NARRATIVE. 

man,  "  though  I  do  not  attach  the  same  importance  to  it 
that  Mary  does." 

"  Father" — uttered  his  daughter,  and  pausing  in  mingled 
timidity  and  dread,  as  if  some  undefinable  forebodings  of 
harm  oppressed  her. 

"  I'll  be  shot  if  I  understand  all  this  to  my  liking,"  said 
Sneak,  staring  at  the  great  number  of  moccasin  tracks  that 
had  been  made  round  the  enclosure,  which  truly  indicated 
that  more  than  the  four  chiefs  present  had  been  prowling 
there  before  daylight. 

"  Hush,  Mr.  Sneak  !"  said  Joe;  "  they  hear  every  word 
you  say." 

"Jest  let  me  alone  a  minute,"  replied  Sneak,  getting 
down  on  his  knees  and  examining  the  various  foot-prints 
with  great  minuteness.  When  he  rose  he  made  some  signs 
to  Boone,  which  the  others  did  not  comprehend. 

At  this  juncture  several  other  Indians  were  seen  to 
approach  from  the  valley  above,  where  the  party  had  en 
camped.  These  painted  visitors  likewise  came  forward  with 
sundry  nods  and  gesticulations  of  friendship,  at  the  same 
time  exhibiting  several  furred  articles  of  curious  work 
manship,  and  a  few  precious  stones,  as  samples  of  what 
they  wished  to  barter.  A  short  conference  then  ensued 
between  them  and  the  head  chief,  which  terminated  in  a 
pressing  invitation  for  the  whites  to  accompany  them  to 
their  encampment. 

"  You  may  all  do  as  you  like — I  shall  stay  here,"  said 
Joe,  stepping  back  towards  the  gate. 

"You  area  coward,  Joe!"  said  Glenn;  "you  may  remain, 
however,  to  prevent  them  from  pilfering  any  thing  while  we 
are  away,"  and  he  turned  towards  the  Indians  for  the  pur 
pose  of  accompanying  them. 

"  Stay  !"  said  Mary,  in  a  distinct  and  startling  tone. 

"  Why  should  we  not  go  ?  We  are  armed,  and  could 
as  easily  withstand  an  attack  in  their  encampment  aa 
elsewhere.  If  it  be  their  determination  to  do  us  harm, 
their  numbers  will  enable  them  to  accomplish  their  purpose 
notwithstanding  all  the  opposition  we  can  offer,"  said 
Glenn. 

"  There  is  no  danger,"  said  Roughgrove,  endeavouring  tc 
extricate  his  arm  from  the  grasp  of  Mary,  who  strenuously 
held  him  back. 


56  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

u  I  have  a  secret  for  thee,  child,"  said  Boone,  beckoning 
tha  trembling  girl  to  him. 

"  Oh,  what  is  it  ?  You  will  not  let  him — I  mean  my  father, 
go  among  them,  will  you  ?  You  know  that  Posin  is  away — 
perhaps  in  some  ambush " 

"Hush  child  !"  said  Boone,  in  a  low  tone,  and  employing 
gestures  that  led  the  savages  to  believe  he  was  quieting  her 
fe&rs,  while  he  whispered  a  message  in  her  ear  that  had  a 
singular  effect.  Though  very  pale,  the  girl  now  smiled 
playfully,  and  returning  to  her  father,  said,  in  tones  so  low 
that  no  one  else  could  hear,  "Father,  he  says  you  must  in 
staiitly  cross  the  river  for  assistance — I  will  be  safe,  under 
his  protection,  till  you  return." 

"  I'll  do  it !"  replied  Roughgrove,  setting  off  towards  the 
ferry.  But  when  he  departed,  the  chief  evinced  much  anger, 
and  was  only  appeased  by  the  assurance  that  the  old  ferry 
man  was  gone  for  some  article  desired  by  his  child,  and 
would  return  ere  long. 

The  footprint  which  had  so  much  attracted  Sneak  was 
recognized  by  some  peculiar  marks  to  be  that  of  Posin,  and 
when  the  discovery  was  communicated  to  Boone,  he  at 
once  surmised  that  danger  lurked  in  the  vicinity ;  and  the 
subsequent  impatience  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  to  urge 
the  whites  to  visit  their  camp,  convinced  him  that  some  foul 
treachery  had  been  concocted  between  the  half-breed  and 
the  savages.  He  had  also  caught  a  glimpse  of  several 
armed  Indians  behind  some  bushes  at  no  great  distance 
from  where  he  stood,  notwithstanding  Raven  had  asserted 
that  the  rest  of  his  party  were  in  their  encampment ;  and 
when  the  chief  grew  angry,  and  almost  menacing,  on  the 
withdrawal  of  the  old  ferryman,  he  /esolved  to  adopt  the 
surest  means  of  safety  without  delay.  No  sooner  was  the 
ferry-boat  seen  to  shoot  out  from  the  land  than  Boone 
motioned  the  whites  to  enter  the  inclosure.  As  they  turned 
towards  the  gate,  the  chief  made  a  movement  to  intercept 
them  ;  but  Boone  drew  forth  a  brace  of  pistols  that  had  been 
concealed  under  his  hunting-shirt,  one  of  which  he  pointed 
at  Raven,  and  with  the  other  intimidated  the  rest  who  had 
advanced  likewise,  until  his  friends  were  all  within  the 
palisade. 

Boone  did  not  wish  to  be  the  first  to  shed  blood,  and  in 
their  o«u  language  asserted  as  much  to  the  savages;  but 


Boone  drew  forth  a  brace  of  pistols  that  had  been  concealed  under  his  hunting- 
shirt,  one  of  which  he  pointed  at  Raven,  and  with  the  other  intimidated  the  rest 
who  had  advanced  on  himself,  until  his  friends  were  all  within  the  palisade.— P.  EG 


A    NARRATIVE.  5? 

at  the  same  time  he  warned  them  not  to  commit  any  violence 
in  the  settlement  at  their  peril.  The  chief  had  not  thought 
there  would  be  any  necessity  for  bloodshed  so  soon,  and 
perhaps  not  at  all,  if  Glenn  could  be  enticed  from  his  house, 
while  Posin  and  his  comrades  might  obtain  his  money. 

Nor  did  he  expect  to  meet  with  Boone,  (renowned  among 
all  the  tribes  for  his  wisdom  and  prowess,)  much  less  to  be 
anticipated  on  the  very  threshold  of  the  enterprise.  His 
rage  grew  intense  on  finding  himself  outwitted  and  defied. 
He  drew  forth  his  tomahawk,  and  though  not  venturing  to 
throw  it,  (for  he  perceived  Glenn  and  Sneak  behind,  with 
their  guns  in  readiness  to  fire,)  he  shook  it  threateningly 
at  Boone  as  he  closed  the  gate,  and  then  strode  away  sulkily 
in  the  direction  of  the  bushes,  where  some  of  his  followers 
had  been  seen  partially  concealed. 

When  the  gate  Avas  secured,  the  inmates  of  the  little  fort 
crowded  about  Boone  and  overwhelmed  him  with  questions. 

"  Do  you  think  they  can  get  over  the  posts  ?"  inquired 
Joe. 

"  Will  they  come  before  father  returns  ?"  asked  Mary. 

"  Do  you  think  they  will  attack  us  at  all  ?"  interrogated 
Glenn. 

"There  can  be  no  doubt  of  it,"  replied  Boone;  "but 
if  we  do  our  duty,  I  think  we  shall  be  able  to  resist  them. 
We  must  be  ready  to  defend  ourselves,  at  all  events — and 
in  the  mean  time  we  must  watch  through  the  loopholes  on 
every  side  to  prevent  a  surprise."  This  was  hardly  spoken 
before  an  arrow  whizzed  over  their  heads,  and,  striking 
against  the  stone  wall  of  the  house,  fell  at  the  feet  of  Joe. 

"  Ugh  !  look  at  that !"  cried  he,  leaping  some  ten  feet 
away. 

"  Go  in,  child — and  the  rest  to  their  posts  !"  remarked 
Boone,  first  to  Mary,  and  then  addressing  the  men. 

"  Yes — do  go  in,  Miss  !"  cried  Joe,  forcing  Mary  into  the 
L)use,  where  he  also  seemed  determined  to  remain  him 
self. 

"  Come  out  here  !"  cried  Sneak,  going  to  the  door. 

"  Wait  till  I  screw  a  flint  in  my  musket,"  said  Joe. 

"You  can  see  better  out  here,"  replied  Sneak. 

"But  I  haven't  found  the  flint  yet,"  answered  Joe. 

"He's  a  coward  !"  said  Sneak,  turning  away  and  going 
to  his  post,  whence  he  could  watch  the  valley  below. 


68  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

Boone's  station  was  on  the  opposite  side,  in  the  direction 
of  the  supposed  encampment  of  the  Indians.  But  not  a 
savage  could  now  be  seen,  and  the  arrow  that  fell  among 
them  had  evidently  been  discharged  from  a  great  distance 
above. 

"  Shall  we  fire  if  any  of  them  come  within  the  range  of 
our  guns  ?"  inquired  Glenn,  from  his  position  on  the  east, 
which  overlooked  the  cliff. 

"  Certainly/'  replied  Boone ;  "the  arrow  was  their  de 
claration  of  war,  and  if  they  are  again  seen,  it  will  be  in  a 
hostile  attitude.  Watch  close,  Sneak  !"  he  cried,  as  another 
shaft  flew  over  the  palisade  from  the  valley  below,  and 
penetrated  the  wood  but  a  few  feet  above  his  head. 

".Come  out  to  your  post,  Joe!"  cried  Glenn, impatiently. 

"  I  will  presently — as  soon  as  I  get  my  gun  fixed,"  re 
plied  Joe. 

"  If  you  do  not  come  forth  instantly,  I'll  thrust  you  out 
of  the  inclosure  !"  continued  Glenn,  somewhat  fiercely. 

"  Here  I  am,"  said  Joe,  coming  out,  and  making  an 
effort  to  assume  a  bold  bearing :  "  I'm  ready  now — I  only 
wanted  to  fix  my  gun — who's  afraid?"  saying  which,  he 
strode  in  a  stooping  posture  to  the  loophole  on  the  west  of 
the  inclosure. 

While  the  whole  male  force  of  the  garrison  was  required 
10  act  as  sentinels,  Mary,  whose  trepidation  had  been 
succeeded  by  deliberate  resolution,  was  busily  employed 
moulding  bullets. 

An  hour  passed,  and  no  Indians  had  yet  been  seen, 
although  an  occasional  arrow  assured  the  besieged  party 
that  the  enemy  still  remained  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 
They  cleared  away  the  snow  at  their  posts,  and  placing 
dry  straw  to  stand  upon,  prepared  to  continue  the  watch 
throughout  the  day  and  night.  Nor  were  they  to  suffer  for 
food ;  for  Mary,  though  she  had  not  been  requested  so  to  do, 
ere  long,  to  their  joyful  surprise,  came  forth  with  a  dinner 
handsomely  provided,  which  she  placed  before  them  with  a 
•mile  of  satisfaction  playing  on  her  lips,  and  entirely  un 
mindful  of  the  shafts  that  continued  to  fly  averhead,  which 
either  pierced  the  wood  and  remained  stationary,  or  fell 
expended  and  harmless  at  her  feet. 

Affairs  thus  remained  till  niglit,  when  the  arrows  ceased 
to  fly.  There  was  not  a  cloud  in  the  heavens,  and  the 


A   NARRATIVE.  59 

moon  rose  up  in  purest  brightness.  A  breathless  stillness 
pervaded  the  air,  and  no  sound  for  a  great  length  of  time 
could  be  heard  but  the  hooting  of  owls  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  river,  and  the  howling  of  wolves  in  the  flats  about  a 
mile  above. 

"I'm  not  a  bit  cold — are  you?"  said  Joe,  addressing 
Sneak. 

"  Dod !  keep  an  eye  out !"  replied  Sneak,  in  a  low 
tone. 

"  There's  nothing  out  this  way  but  a  bush.  But  I  declare 
it  seems  to  be  bigger  and  nigher  than  it  was  in  the  day 
time,"  said  Joe. 

"Don't  speak  so  loud,"  remarked  Boone,  crossing  to 
where  Joe  stood,  and  looking  through  at  the  bush. 

"  It's  nothing  but  a  bush,"  said  Joe. 

"Do  you  wish  to  kill  an  Indian?"  inquired  Boone. 

"  I  wish  they  were  all  worms,  and  I  could  get  my  heel 
on  them  !"  said  Joe. 

"  That  would  be  cruel — but  as  any  execution  we  may 
now  do,  is  in  our  own  defence,  you  may  fire  at  that  bush  if 
you  like,"  continued  Boone. 

"Well,"  said  Joe;  and  taking  deliberate  aim,  discharged 
his  musket  as  directed,  and  was  knocked  down  on  his  back 
in  the  snow  by  the  rebound. 

"Plague  take  the  gun!"  said  he,  recovering  his  feet; 
"  but  I  remember  it  had  two  loads  in — I  forgot  it  was 
charged,  and  loaded  it  again.  Ha !  ha !  ha !  but  what's 
become  of  the  bush  ?"  he  continued  jocularly,  not  thinking 
he  had  fired  at  an  Indian. 

"  Look  for  yourself,"  replied  Boone. 

"  Hang  me  if  it  ain't  gone  !"  exclaimed  Joe. 

"  Ay,  truly  it  is ;  but  had  you  hit  the  mark,  it  would 
have  fallen.  It  was  rather  too  far,  however,  even  for  your 
musket,"  said  Boone,  returning  to  his  former  position. 

"You  are  the  poorest  marksman  that  ever  I  saw,  01 
you'd  'ave  killed  that  red  rascal,"  said  Sneak,  coming  up 
to  Joe,  and  finding  where  the  bush  had  been. 

"I  didn't  know  it  was  any  thing  but  a  bush — if  I'd  only 
known  it  was  an  Indian " 

"  You  be  hanged !"  replied  Sneak,  vexed  that  such  a 
capital  opportunity  should  be  lost,  and  petulantly  resuming 
bis  own  station. 


60  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

An  intense  silence  succeeded  the  discharge  of  Joe's  gun, 
after  tne  tremendous  report  died  away,  in  successive  rever 
berations  up  and  down  the  river,  and  over  the  low  wood 
land  opposite.  The  owls  and  wolves  were  hushed;  and  as 
the  watchful  sentinels  cast  their  eyes  over  the  snow,  on 
which  the  calm  rays  of  the  moon  rested  in  repose,  there 
was  not  the  least  indication  of  the  presence  of  a  dangerous 
foe. 

Joe  leant  against  the  palisade,  holding  with  one  hand 
the  breech  of  his  gun,  while  the  barrel  was  thrust  through 
the  loophole,  and  seemed  to  be  indulging  in  a  peculiar  train 
of  reflections. 

"Now,  I'd  much  rather  he  in  Philadelphia,"  said  he,  in 
a  voice  but  little  louder  than  a  whisper,  and  unconscious 
of  giving  utterance  to  his  thoughts — "  a  great  deal  rather 
be  there — in  some  comfortable  oyster-cellar — than  standing 
out  here  in  the  lone  wilderness,  up  to  my  knees  in  snow, 
and  expecting  every  minute  to  have  a  poisoned  arrow  shot 
through  my  head.  Hang  it  all !  I  wonder  what  pleasure 
Mr.  Glenn  can  enjoy  here  ?  Suppose,  now,  while  I'm 
standing  here  thinking,  an  arrow  should  dart  over  the 
other  side,  and  stick  five,  or  six  inches  into  me  ?  I  hope 
they  keep  a  careful  look-out.  And  that  reminds  me  that  I 
ought  to  keep  an  eye  out  myself,  for  fear  some  one  may  be 
pinked  from  my  side."  He  applied  his  eye  to  the  hole,  and 
continued  in  the  same  strain :  "  I  don't  see  a  single  living 
thing;  maybe  they've  all  gone  off.  If  they  have,  I'll  de 
serve  all  the  credit,  for  I'm  the  only  person  that  shot  at 
them.  And  I  don't  think  that  long  hatchet-face  Sneak  will 
think  that  I'm  a  coward  any  more.  But  these  savages  are 
strange  beings ;  I  had  no  more  idea  that  the  bush  hid  an 
Indian  than  that  there's  one  not  ten  feet  off  now,  under  the 
snow.  And  if  we  hadn't  found  him  out  he  might  have 
crawled  up  and  shot  me  in  the  eye  through  this  hole.  I  won't 
hold  my  eye  here  all  the  time  !"  said  he,  rising,  and  to  his 
astonishment  Sneak  stood  at  his  elbow,  whither  he  had 
glided  softly,  his  quick  ear  having  caught  the  hum  of  Joe's 
soliloquy,  and  his  curiosity  leading  him  to  find  out  the 
meaning  of  the  mysterious  jargon  of  his  companion-in-arms. 

"  Of  all  the  men  I  ever  saw  you  are  the  dod-rottedest !" 
exclaimed  Sneak,  after  staring  at  him  a  few  moments  in 
silent  wonderment,  arid  then  striding  back  to  his  post. 


A    NARRATIVE.  61 

"  I  should  like  to  hear  that  sentence  parsed,  said  Joe, 
looking  after  him. 

The  hours  wore  on  in  peace,  until  midnight,  when  a  low 
chattering,  like  that  of  a  squirrel,  was  heard  in  the  valley 
below ;  while  a  shrill  whistling,  resembling  that  of  quails 
i?as  distinguished  above. 

"  Come  hither  !"  exclaimed  Boone  in  a  whisper  to  Glenn. 

"  Do  you  see  any  of  them  ?"  inquired  Glenn,  joining  his 
friend. 

"Not  yet — but  we  will  see  enough  of  them  presently. 
The  sounds  in  the  valleys  are  signals,  and  they  will  attack 
us  on  these  sides.  You  may  abandon  your  watch  on  the 
east,  and  assist  me  here." 

"And  you  may  come  and  spell  me,"  said  Sneak  to  Joe. 

"I  must  not  desert  my  post,"  said  Joe. 

"  If  you  stay  there,  you'll  be  dead  sure  to  be  shot !"  re 
plied  Sneak. 

"  You  don't  think  they're  coming  back,  do  you  ?"  in 
quired  Joe,  gliding  swiftly  to  Sneak's  side. 

"  They'll  be-on  us  in  no  time.     Is  your  gun  loaded  ?" 

"  I  declare  I  have  forgotten  whether  I  loaded  it  again  oi 
not !"  said  Joe. 

"You're  a  purty  feller,  to  watch  with  an  empty  gun, 
now  ain't  you  ?  Never  mind  blowing  in  her — run  down  a 
cartridge  as  quick  as  you  kin  ;  it  makes  no  odds  how  much 
you  have  in  ;  a  big  noise  will  do  as  much  good  as  any  thing 
else,"  said  Sneak,  hurriedly,  evidently  expecting  to  see 
the  savage  enemy  every  moment,  while  Joe  did  his  bidding, 
asserting  all  the  time  that  he  believed  his  musket  was 
already  loaded,  and  expressing  a  decided  dislike  to  being 
kicked  over  every  day  from  overcharging. 

As  Boone  predicted,  but  a  very  short  time  elapsed  before 
a  series  of  startling  and  frightful  yells  were  heard  below, 
which  were  answered  by  similar  horrid  sounds  above.  Joe 
first  ran  towards  Boone  and  Glenn,  and  then  sprang  back 
to  his  place  at  the  side  of  Sneak,  fully  con  vinced  there  were 
rio  means  of  retreat,  and,  being  effectually  cornered,  at 
length  evinced  an  ardent  desire  to  fire.  When  the  yells 
^ied  away  in  the  distance,  a  flight  of  arrows  from  the  north 
acd  south  poured  upon  the  besieged  party.  Many  of  them 
pierced  the  outer  side  of  the  palisade,  while  others,  flying 
,  penetrated  the  opposite  timbers,  and  quivered  above 


62  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

the  heads  of  the  men ;  and  some  rattled  against  the  top  of 
the  house,  (the  snow  having  melted  from  the  roof,)  and  fell 
harmless  to  the  earth. 

There  having  been  no  shot  yet  fired  in  the  direction 
whence  the  arrows  came,  (for  such  was  the  order  of  Boone,) 
the  savages,  emboldened  by  the  absence  of  any  demonstra 
tions  of  resistance,  and  thinking  their  foes  were  shut  up  in 
the  house,  or  killed  by  their  numberless  shafts,  charged 
upon  the  premises  simultaneously  from  both  sides,  shooting 
their  arrows  and  yelling  as  they  came.  When  they  had 
approached  within  a  hundred  paces  of  the  inclosure,  Boone 
and  Sneak  fired  with  deadly  aim  at  the  foremost  of  the 
party,  and  the  next  moment  Glenn  followed  the  example, 
while  Boone  reloaded  his  gun. 

"Now  fire!"  exclaimed  Sneak,  shaking  Joe  by  the 
shoulder,  having  seen  the  savages  pause  when  one  of  their 
party  uttered  the  death-howl  and  fell. 

"Here  goes!"  said  Joe,  pulling  the  trigger  and  falling 
over  on  his  back  in  the  snow  from  the  rebound,  for  the 
musket  had  been  truly  twice  charged. 

"  Split  me  if  you  didn't  accidentally  throw  a  handful  of 
bullets  among  their  legs  that  crack  !"  said  Sneak,  observing 
the  now  discomfited  and  retreating  Indians,  as  they  en 
deavoured  to  bear  off  their  wounded,  and  then  firing  on 
them  again  himself  as  they  vanished  down  the  valley.  The 
like  result  was  witnessed  above,  and  again  in  a  very  short 
time  there  was  not  a  savage  to  be  seen. 

"What's  the  matter?  Why  don't  you  get  up?"  asked 
Sneak  turning  to  Joe,  who  still  remained  prostrate  on  the 
ground. 

"  My  mouth's  bleeding — I  don't  know  but  I'm  wounded. 
Didn't  an  arrow  come  through  the  hole  when  I  was  shoot 
ing?"  asked  Joe,  rising  partially  up  and  spitting  out  a 
quantity  of  blood  on  the  snow. 

"  It  was  nothing  but  the  gun  kicking  you  like  it  did  in 
the  bear  hunt.  If  it  was  an  arrow  you  must  have  swal- 
lered  it,  for  I  don't  see  the  shaft.  But  maybe  you  did — 
you're  sech  a  gormandizer,"  said  Sneak. 

"Hang  it  all,  I  don't  believe  I'm  much  hurt!"  exclaimed 
Joe,  jumping  up  suddenly.  "Get  from  before  the  hole  I" 
he  continued,  ramming  down  a  cartridge  hastily,  and  thrust 
ing  out  the  muzzle  of  his  gun. 


A   NARRATIVE.  65 

Why  don't  you  blaze  away  ?"  asked  Sneak,  laughing, 
observing  that  he  hesitated. 

"  Why,  they're  all  gone  !"  cried  Joe,  joyfully,  "  and  it 
was  my  old  cannon  that  swept  them  off,  too." 

Once  more  silence  pervaded  the  scene.  Boone,  after  the 
repeated  solicitations  of  Mary,  partook  of  another  bountiful 
repast,  and  the  others  in  turn  likewise  refreshed  themselves, 
and  then  resumed  the  watch. 

Nor  was  it  long  before  the  Osages  were  once  more  heard 
to  howl  like  fiends,  and  the  sound  had  hardly  ceased  to 
vibrate  through  the  air  before  a  singular  and  unexpected 
assault  terrified  the  besieged  party  for  a  moment.  Thia 
was  a  shower  of  blazing  arrows  coming  from  below,  (where 
all  the  savages  now  seemed  to  be  collected,)  which  ignited 
the  palisade  in  many  places  where  the  snow  had  fallen  off. 
But  the  fire  was  easily  extinguished,  and  all,  with  the  ex 
ception  of  Boone,  were  disposed  to  attach  but  little  import 
ance  to  any  further  device  of  the  enemy.  Boone,  on  the 
contrary,  was  unusually  grave,  and  requested  his  com 
panions  to  be  on  the  alert,  or  they  would  yet  be  the  victims 
of  the  savages. 

"I  like  these  kind  of  arrows  the  best,"  said  Joe,  "for  I 
can  see  how  to  dodge  them." 

"  But  the  wooden  slabs  can't  dodge — dod  !  they're  afire 
on  the  outside  now  !"  cried  Sneak,  truly  discovering  a  flame 
reaching  above  the  inclosure  from  without. 

"  Watch  well  from  the  loopholes  !"  cried  Boone,  throwing 
open  the  gate  and  rushing  out,  and  running  round  to  where 
the  fire  was  crackling.  "  Come,  Sneak  ! — I  want  your  as 
sistance — quick  !"  he  exclaimed,  finding  the  flames  making 
rapid  progress. 

"Keep  your  eye  skinned  now!"  said  Sneak,  as  he  left 
Joe  alone  to  watch  for  the  Indians,  and  ran  out  to  aid  in 
subduing  the  fire. 

The  savages  could  evidently  see  what  was  transacting, 
although  unseen  themselves,  for  most  of  their  arrows  now 
seemed  to  be  directed  at  those  without. 

"  Look  sharp  !"  said  Boone  to  Joe,  through  the  loophole. 

"Let  me  assist!"  cried  Glenn,  imprudently  leaving  his 
post  in  his  eagerness  to  share  the  danger,  and  coming  out 
witn  a  spade. 


64  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  Go  in,  my  friend — we  are  sufficient  here,"  said  Boone, 
addressing  Glenn. 

"  Come  in  !  come  in  !  come  in  !"  cried  Joe. 

"I  see  no  Indians,"  remarked  Boone. 

"  The  house  is  on  fire  !  Fire  !  fire  !  fire  !"  screamed  Joe, 
tailing  into  his  old  habit  when  in  the  city. 

Glenn  ran  back  in  this  emergency,  but  when  he  arrived 
within  the  inclosure,  he  found  that  this  service  had  been 
anticipated  by  Mary,  who  had  quietly  thrust  her  hands  into 
the  snow,  and  with  balls  thus  made,  easily  extinguished 
the  fire  on  the  roof. 

When  Boone  and  Sneak  had  effected  their  purpose,  they 
repaired  to  their  former  positions,  assured  that  the  utmost 
caution  must  be  observed  to  prevent  a  surprise  from  some 
unexpected  quarter,  while  their  attention  was  naturally 
directed  to  one  particular  point.  But  they  had  hardly  re 
sumed  their  stations  before  their  ears  were  saluted  by  the 
joyful  report  of  rifles  in  the  valley.  Relief  was  at  hand. 
Roughgrove  had  recrossed  the  river,  with  a  party  of  recruits, 
and  fallen  upon  the  rear  of  the.  savages,  at  a  moment  when 
success  seemed  to  smile  on  their  sanguinary  purpose.  Their 
shouts  of  exultation  at  the  prospect  of  firing  the  premises 
were  now  changed  to  howls  of  despair,  and  they  fled  in  all 
directions.  But  Roughgrove,  aware  of  the  impolicy  of  pur 
suit,  led  his  men  directly  to  the  gallant  little  garrison ;  and 
the  victorious  huzzas  of  his  band  were  answered  in  like 
manner  by  the  besieged,  who  came  forth  and  gave  them  a 
cordial  welcome.  Never,  perhaps,  when  they  met,  did  hand 
grasp  hand  more  heartily.  But  Mary,  who  had  hitherto 
cast  aside  all  the  weaker  fears  of  the  woman,  no  sooner  be 
held  her  aged  father  in  safety  than  she  rushed  into  his 
arms  and  fainted  on  his  breast. 


A   NARRATIVE.  66 


CHAPTER  V. 

A  strange  excursion — A  fairy  scene — Joe  is  puzzled  and  frightened — A 
wonderful  discovery — Navigation  of  the  upper  regions — A.  crash — Nc 
bones  broken. 

SEVERAL  weeks  had  elapsed  since  the  incidents  record 
ed  in  the  last  chapter.  The  repulse  of  the  Osages  was 
succeeded  by  the  arrival  of  a  war-party  of  Pawnees,  and  a 
deadly  feud  existing  between  these  tribes,  the  latter  readily 
joined  the  whites,  and  speedily  chased  the  enemy  far  be 
yond  the  settlements.  Boone  had  returned  to  his  family  on 
the  other  side  of  the  river  ;  and  Sneak,  having  made  peace 
with  Joe,  had  likewise  withdrawn  to  his  own  domicil,  to 
pursue  his  avocations  of  hunting  and  trapping  in  solitude. 

Glenn  sat  before  a  blazing  fire  in  his  little  castle,  his  left 
hand  clasping  a  closed  book  he  had  been  reading,  while  his 
dextral  elbow  was  resting  or.  the  rude  arm  of  a  chair  which 
he  had  constructed  and  cushioned  with  furs,  and  his  palm 
supported  his  chin.  He  thus  sat  silently,  looking  stead 
fastly  through  one  of  the  little  square  windows  at  the  snow- 
encrusted  branches  of  the  trees  beyond  the  inclosure,  and 
apparently  indulging  a  pleasing  train  of  reflections. 

Joe,  on  the  contrary,  was  engaged  in  boisterous  and 
mirthful  exercise  on  the  deep  and  frozen  snow  without.  He 
was  playing  with  the  kitten,  the  fawn,  and  the  hounds,  and 
occasionally  ran  into  the  stable  to  caress  the  horses. 

At  length,  with  no  other  object  than  a  dreamy  impulse  to 
wander  among  the  wild  scenes  in  the  vicinity,  Glenn  started 
up,  and  donning  a  warm  overcoat  and  seizing  his  rifle,  set 
out  along  the  cliff  up  the  river,  (a  direction  which  he  had 
never  yet  traversed,)  accompanied  by  Joe,  who  seemed  to 
look  upon  his  master's  pale  composed  face,  and  determined 
though  gentle  motions,  with  curiosity,  if  not  mystery. 

"  Why  do  you  stare  at  me  so  often  ?"  inquired  Glenn, 
causing,  after  they  had  walked  some  distance  in  silence. 

*'  Because  I  don't  know  what  you're  after,"  replied  Joe 

6* 


06  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  You  11  see  what  I'm  after,"  said  Glenn,  setting  forward, 
and  continuing  his  course  along  the  cliff. 

A  snow  of  several  feet  in  depth  rested  on  the  earth,  and 
the  sun  that  shone  forth  at  noon  had  melted  the  surface  so 
frequently,  that  the  freezing  nights  which  had  as  often  suc 
ceeded  had  formed  an  icy  incrustation  quite  strong  enough 
to  bear  the  weight  of  a  man.  Though  it  was  a  dreary 
waste,  yet  Glenn  gleaned  a  satisfaction  in  casting  his  eyes 
around  where  his  glance  beheld  no  one  striving  to  oppress 
his  fellow  being  that  he  might  acquire  riches  and  power, 
to  be  again  snatched  from  his  grasp  by  others,  but  a  peace 
ful  scene,  fresh  from  the  hand  of  God,  and  unmarred  by 
the  workmanship  of  meaner  creatures.  The  broad  river 
far  below  was  covered  with  a  massy  plate  of  ice,  and  the 
snow  that  rested  upon  it  gave  it  the  appearance  of  an  im 
mense  plain,  rather  than  an  incrusted  surface  of  the  most 
perturbed  and  erratic  stream  in  the  world.  The  geese  and 
other  fowl  that  wandered  over  the  frozen  surface  in  quest  of 
their  native  element,  from  the  great  distance  down,  seemed 
to  be  no  larger  than  sparrows. 

Ere  long,  Glenn  and  his  man  reached  the  valley  above, 
and  commenced  a  descent  through  the  timber  in  a  diagonal 
direction,  that  would  conduct  them,  after  numerous  wind 
ings,  to  the  edge  of  the  frozen  stream,  along  which  a  narrow 
pathway  ran  northward  about  a  mile.  Glenn  paused  at 
an  abrupt  angle  in  his  descent,  after  having  proceeded  a 
few  paces  through  the  undergrowth,  and  stood  long  in 
wonderment  and  admiration,  gazing  at  the  scene  that  sud 
denly  burst  in  view.  His  towering  position  overlooked  the 
whole  valley.  The  ten  thousand  trees  beneath,  and  their 
ten  million  branches  and  twigs  all  completely  clothed  in 
crystal — while  not  the  slightest  breeze  was  stirring — pre 
sented  a  view  of  fairyland,  such  as  flits  across  the  vision 
in  dreams,  that  the  memory  fain  would  cling  to,  but  which  is 
lost  in  the  real  and  conflicting  transactions  of  returning  day. 
The  noonday  sun  was  momentarily  veiled  by  a  listless  cloud, 
which  seemed  to  be  stationary  in  the  heavens,  as  if  designed 
*x>  enhance  the  effect  of  the  beauty  below,  that  outvied  in 
brightness  even  the  usual  light  above.  Not  a  squirrel  was 
seen  to  leap  from  bough  to  bough,  nur  a  bird  to  flit  across 
the  opening  between  the  lofty  trees  ;  but  all  was  stillness, 
silence,  and  oeauty.  As  Glenn  stood  entranced,  Joe  seemed 


A    NARRATIVE.  67 

to  be  more  struck  with  the  operation  of  the  enchantment 
on  his  companion's  features  and  attitude,  than  with  any 
effect  from  the  same  source  experienced  on  himself. 

"Ain't  you  going  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  valley?" 
asked  Joe. 

"It  is  a  scene  such  as  is  beheld  by  infants  in  their  slum 
bers,  when  they  dream  of  paradise !"  said  Glenn,  paying 
na  attention  to  Joe,  his  eyes  immovably  riveted  on  the  in 
numerable  sprigs  of  alabaster  which  pointed  out  in  every 
direction  in  profuse  clusters,  while  his  pale  lips  seemed  to 
move  mechanically,  and  his  brow  expressed  a  mournful 
serenity,  as  if  entertaining  a  regret  that  he  should  ever  be 
separated  from  the  pearly  labyrinths  before  him,  amid  which 
he  would  delight  to  wander  forever. 

"I  think  you  must  be  dreaming  yourself,"  said  Joe,  star 
ing  at  him. 

"  How  composed  is  every  object  !"  continued  Glenn ; 
"  such  must  be  the  abode  of  angels  and  departed  spirits, 
who  are  not  permitted  longer  to  behold  the  strifes  of  earth 
and  its  contaminations,  but  rove  continually  with  noiseless 
tread,  or  on  self-poised  wing,  through  devious  and  delight 
ful  paths,  surrounded  by  sedges  of  silver  embroidery,  and 
shielded  above  by  mazy  fretwork  spangled  with  diamonds, 
or  gliding  without  effort  through  the  pure  and  buoyant  air, 
from  bower  to  bower  of  crystal " 

"  Ugh — talking  of  the  icy  trees  makes  me  chilly !"  said 
Joe. 

"With  life  everlasting  and  unchangeable!"  continued 
Glenn,  after  a  momentary  pause  from  the  interruption  of 
his  man,  which  he  only  noticed  by  a  significant  motion  of 
the  hand  for  him  to  be  silent. 

"But  I  wouldn't  like  the  eternal  frost-work"  said  Joe. 

"Pshaw!"  replied  Glenn,  pursuing  his  way  downwards. 
When  they  reached  the  bottom  of  the  valley,  they  were  yet 
a  hundred  paces  distant  from  its  junction  with  the  river, 
T?hich  was  obscured  by  the  many  intervening  trees  that 
grew  along  the  frozen  rivulet.  Here  Glenn  again  paused 
to  contemplate  tue  scene.  The  hills  that  rose  abruptly  on 
either  hand,  and  the  thick  intertwining  branches  above, 
combined  to  produce  a  dusky  aspect  scarce  less  dim  than 
twilight.  Glenn  folded  his  arms  composedly,  and  looked 
thoughtfully  round,  as  if  indulging  the  delightful  fancies 


68  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

engendered  when  wandering  forth  on  a  summer's  pleasant 
evening.  "  There  seems  to  be  a  supernatural  influence 
pervading  the  air  to-day,"  he  said,  in  a  low  tone,  "for  I 
sometimes  imagine  that  flitting  spirits  become  partially  visi 
ble.  On  the  pendent  icicles  and  jewelled  twigs,  methiiiks 
I  sometimes  behold  for  an  instant  the  prismatic  rays  of 
elfins'  eyes " 

"  Don't  believe  it,"  said  Joe ;  "  or  if  it  is  so,  they  are 
weeping  at  the  cold,  and  will  soon  be  frozen  up." 

"And  at  each  sudden  turn,"  continued  Glenn,  "they 
Beem  to  linger  an  instant  in  view,  and  then  vanish  sportive 
ly,  as  if  amused  at  the  expense- of  impotent  mortals." 

"  I  ran't  hear  'em  laugh,"  said  Joe. 

"And  then,"  continued  Glenn,  "although  beyond  hu 
man  consciousness,  there  may  be  heavenly  sounds  in  the 
air — the  melody  of  aerial  harps  and  fairy  voices — to  which 
our  ears  may  be  sealed,  when,  perchance,  our  vicinity  to 
their  presence  may  inspire  the  peculiar  sensation  I  now 
experience." 

"  I  heard  a  heap  of  curious  sounds  one  warm  sunshiny 
morning,"  said  Joe ;  "  but  when  I  asked  an  old  fellow 
jogging  along  the  same  road  what  they  meant,  he  said  the 
day  before  had  been  so  cold  when  the  stage-driver  went  by 
that  his  wind  froze  as  it  came  out  of  the  bugle,  and  was 
just  then  thawing." 

"If  such  beings  do  exist,"  continued  Glenn,  paying  no 
attention  to  Joe,  "it  would  delight  me  to  commune  with 
them  face  to  face." 

"  I  see  a  buck's  head  !"  cried  Joe,  looking  down  the  dell, 
where  the  object  he  mentioned  was  distinctly  observable 
amid  a  cluster  of  spice  wood  bushes,  whence  a  slight  jingling 
sound  proceeded  as  the  animal  plucked  the  nutritious  buds 
bent  down  by  the  innumerable  icicles. 

"  Why  should  not  the  sylvan  gods" — continued  Glenn. 

"  Hush  !  I'm  going  to  fire  !"  said  Joe. 

"Why  should  they  not  resort  hither,"  said  Glenn,  un 
mindful  of  Joe,  "where  no  meaner  beings  abide?" 

Joe  fired,  and  Glenn  started  in  astonishment,  as  if  he 
bad  had  no  intimation  of  his  companion's  intention. 

"Hang  it  all!  Isn't  he  going  to  die,  I  wonder?"  said 
Joe,  after  the  buck  had  made  one  or  two  plunges  in  the 
BDOW.  his  sharp  hoofs  piercing  through  the  crust  OP  tbe 


A   NARRATIVE.  69 

surface,  and  with  much  struggling  extricated  himself  and 
stood  trembling,  and  looked  imploringly  at  his  foe. 

"What  in  the  world  are  you  about?"  exclaimed  Glenn, 
casting  a  listless  glance  at  the  deer,  and  then  staring  his 
companion  in  the  face. 

"Whip  me  if  there  was  any  lead  in  the  gun !"  said  Joe. 
"  I  drew  the  bullets  out  yesterday,  and  forgot  to  put  them 
in  again.  But  no  matter — he  can't  run  through  the  snow 
— I'll  kill  him  with  the  butt  of  my  musket." 

"  Move  not,  at  your  peril !"  said  Glenn,  authoritatively, 
when  Joe  was  about  to  rush  on  the  defenceless  buck. 

"I  do  believe  you  are  out  of  your  head  !"  said  Joe,  star 
ing  Glenn  in  the  face,  and  glancing  at  the  tempting  prize, 
alternately. 

"  At  such  an  hour — in  such  an  elysian  place  as  this — no 
blood  shall  be  spilled.  It  were  profanity  to  discolor  these 
pearly  walks  with  clotted  gore." 

"The  deuce  take  the  pearls,  say  I !"  said  Joe. 

"Perhaps,"  continued  Glenn,  "a  god  may  have  put  on 
the  semblance  of  a  stag  to  tempt  us." 

"And  hang  me,  if  I  wouldn't  pretty  soon  spoil  his  phy 
siognomy,  if  you  would  only  say  the  word!"  said  Joe, 
shaking  his  head  sullenly  at  the  buck. 

"Come,"  said  Glenn,  sternly;  and,  leading  the  way,  he 
passed  within  a  few  feet  of  the  terrified  animal  without 
turning  his  head  aside,  and  directed  his  steps  down  the 
valley  towards  the  river.  Joe  said  nothing  when  opposite 
the  buck,  awed  by  the  impressive  tone  and  mysterious 
bearing  of  his  master ;  but  he  grinned  defiance  at  him,  and 
resolved  to  embrace  the  first  opportunity  to  steal  out  alone, 
and  fully  gratify  his  revenge ;  for  such  was  the  feeling  ho 
now  harboured  against  the  animal. 

When  they  reached  the  margin  of  the  river,  they  wan 
dered  along  the  narrow  path  that  turned  to  the  left,  and 
contioued  up  the  stream,  with  the  ice  but  a  few  feet  distant 
on  one  hand,  and  tho  precipitous  acclivity  of  rocks  on  the 
other.  They  maintained  a  brisk  pace  for  about  thirty  mi 
nutes,  when  the  range  of  cliffs  terminating  abruptly,  they 
entered  a  low  flat  forest. 

"Ncit,  what  do  you  say  to  my  firing?"  exclaimed  Joe, 
staring  at  an  enormous  wolf,  a  short  distance  on  the  left. 


TO  WILL    WESTERN   SCENEP: 

that  seemed  to  be  tearing  the  flesh  from  the  carcass  of  a 
deer. 

"You  must  not  fire,"  replied  Glenn,  viewing  the  scene 
with  no  interest. 

"  Why  not  ?  If  the  deer's  a  sylvan  god,  the  wolfs  sure 
to  be  a  black  devil,  and  it's  a  duty  to  take  the  god's  part," 
said  Joe. 

"No!"  replied  Glenn,  still  striding  on. 

"  Where  are  you  going  to,  I  should  like  to  know  ?  J 
hope  you  haven't  any  idea  of  going  closer  to  the  haunted 
island  !"  said  Joe,  following  reluctantly. 

"What  haunted  island?"  asked  Glenn. 

"Why  that  one  right  ahead  of  us!"  replied  Joe,  point 
ing  to  a  small  island  a  few  hundred  paces  distant. 

"Who  says  it  is  haunted?"  demanded  Glenn. 

"Why,  everybody  in  the  country  knows  it's  haunted. 
Didn't  you  hear  Miss  Mary  telling  all  about  it?" 

"  What  did  she  tell  about  it  ?" 

"That  several  years  ago  a  man  flew  up  the  river  riding 
on  a  black  cloud  of  smoke,  and  after  scaring  all  the  Indians 
and  everybody  else  away,  took  up  his  abode  in  yonder 
island.  Not  a  soul,  from  that  day  to  this,  has  ever  been 
nearer  to  it  than  we  are  now.  But  strange  sights  have  been 
seen  there.  Once  a  great  big  swan,  as  large  as  our  house, 
was  seen  to  come  out  of  the  willows  and  leap  into  the  water 
After  seeing  it  paddle  about  an  hour  or  two  in  every  direc 
tion,  an  old  beaver  trapper  and  deer  hunter  took  it  into  hip 
head  that  it  was  nothing  more  than  a  water-fowl  of  some 
large  species;  and  resolving  to  have  a  crack  at  it  anyhow, 
he  crept  behind  the  rocks  at  the  end  of  the  cliff,  and  blazed 
away  when  it  swam  past  the  next  time.  Mercy  on  us! 
when  he  fired,  they  say  the  thing  turned  his  head  towards 
him,  and  came  at  him  in  a  straight  line,  and  as  fast  as 
lightning,  blowing  sparks  of  fire  out  of  its  nostrils,  while 
the  poor  man  stood  stock  still,  spell-bound,  until  it  seized 
upon  him,  and  he  has  never  been  heard  of  since." 

"Nothing  more?"  asked  Glenn,  lightly,  and  smiling. 

"  Good  gracious !  what  more  would  you  want  ?  But  there 
was  more ;  for  the  very  next  day,  when  the  people  were 
looking  at  tne  island  from  a  distance,  and  wondering  what 
had  been  the  fate  of  old  Odell,  another  large  bird  came  out. 
But  this  wap  like  a_n  eagle,  and  instead  of  going  into  th« 


A   NARRATIVE.  71 

< 

water,  it  flew  up  into  the  air,  and  kept  going  higher  and 
higher,  until  it  was  no  bigger  than  a  sparrow,  and  soon 
vanished  altogether !  I  declare  we  are  too  near  the  island 
now,  Mr.  Glenn ;  let  us  go  back ;  we  have  gone  far  enough !" 
said  Joe,  beseechingly,  his  own  tale  having  roused  all  the 
terrors  which  his  nature  was  capable  of  harboring. 

Glenn  seemed  to  pay  no  attention  to  what  his  companion 
was  saying,  but  strode  onward  directly  towards  the  island. 

"  Mr.  Glenn  !"  continued  Joe,  stepping  ahead,  and  facing 
ftim  by  turning  round.  "  Oh,  sir  !  you  don't  certainly  in 
tend  to  venture  any  closer  to  that  fatal  spot  ?" 

"  Pshaw  !"  replied  Glenn,  pushing  him  aside,  and  con 
tinuing  on.  When  they  were  opposite  the  island,  Joe, 
whose  alarm,  had  almost  deprived  him  of  the  power  of 
motion,  was  now  struck  with  horror  as  he  beheld  hia 
master  pause,  and  then  descend  to  the  ice,  and  walk  dv- 
liberately  to  the  haunted  ground  !  When  Glenn  reached 
the  bank,  he  turned  to  his  pale  and  shivering  companion, 
and  motioned  him  to  follow. 

"  Oh,  Heaven  !  we'll  never  be  seen  any  more !"  cried  Joe, 
between  his  chattering  teeth. 

"Come  on,  Joe!  I'll  take  care  of  you,"  said  Glenn, 
encouragingly,  as  his  man  hesitated  in  doubt  when  mid 
way  on  the  ice. 

"  The  holy  saints  preserve  me  !"  said  Joe,  gliding  over, 
quaking  with  fear,  and  clinging  to  Glenn's  hand. 

They  walked  up  a  gentle  ascent  from  the  water's  edge, 
whence  Glenn  expected  to  see  nothing  more  than  a  surface 
of  snow,  and  the  dense  growth  of  young  timber  incident  to 
such  a  place.  But  what  was  his  surprise  on  beholding,  in 
the  midst  of  the  island,  and  obscured  from  view  to  the  sur 
rounding  country  by  an  almost  impenetrable  grove  of  young 
willows,  a  round  chimney-top  rising  over  a  high  circular 
granite  wall !  Nothing  daunted,  he  continued  his  steps 
directly  towards  the  mysterious  dwelling,  notwithstanding 
the  protestations  and  prayers  of  Joe.  When  they  drew 
near,  a  thin  slightly  coloured  vapor  could  be  distinguished 
ascending  from  the  chimney,  indicating  that  the  tenement 
was  certainly  inhabited.  When  they  reached  the  wall, 
they  pursued  their  way  round  it  until  they  found  a 
iron  gate 


72  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

"Rap  there,  Joe,"  said  Glenn.  Joe  only  turned  his 
head,  and  looked  at  him  in  silence. 

"Knock,"  continued  Glenn. 

"Oh!"  exclaimed  Joe,  falling  on  his  knees.  "If  ever 
you  were  prevailed  on  not  to  do  any  thing  you  were  doing, 
1st  me  this  one  time  persuade  you  to  leave  this  place." 

"Knock!"  repeated  Glenn,  emphatically.  Joe  struck 
the  gate  several  blows  with  his  knuckles,  but  so  gently  that 
he  could  not  hear  them  himself.  Glenn  seemed  to  grow 
angry,  and  seizing  his  man's  musket,  was  in  the  act  of 
applying  the  end  of  it  violently,  when  the  gate  flew  open 
at  one  spring,  and  a  hoary  porter  stood  bowing  and  beck 
oning  before  him. 

"Do  not  enter!"  cried  Joe,  throwing  his  arms  around 
Glenn. 

"  It  is  too  late,  now — you  have  knocked,  and  it  is  opened 
unto  you — your  mission  must  be  accomplished  before  you 
turn  back.  Mine  is  not  yet  effected — I  am  the  one  who 
dared  to  face  the  magic  swan — and  like  me,  all  who  come 
hither  must  remain  until  it  shall  be  the  pleasure  of  the 
fire-wizard  to  release  them,"  said  the  old  attendant. 

"Lead  me  to  this  fire-wizard  !"  said  Glenn,  firmly,  step 
ping  into  the  inclosure.  When  they  entered,  the  gate 
closed  after  them  without  any  apparent  agency  of  the  old 
hunter,  and  with  such  force  that  Joe  sprang  several  feet 
forward. 

"  Oh,  goodness  !  we  are  nothing  but  poor  rats  in  the  trap, 
new !"  exclaimed  he. 

"  I  pledged  myself  for  your  safety,  and  will  keep  my 
word,"  said  Glenn. 

"  But  what  will  the  wizard  care  about  your  veracity  ?" 
asked  Joe. 

"Follow  !"  said  the  old  porter,  leading  the  way  towards 
the  house.  After  passing  several  small  buildings,  Glenn 
found  himself  in  a  spacious  area,  over  which  were  scattered 
various  and  strange  implements,  and  divers  nondescript 
machines.  Some  half  dozen  men  were  also  observed,  their 
sleeves  rolled  up,  and  intently  plying  the  chisel,  the  file  and 
other  tools.  These  men  cast  a  momentary  and  sullen  glance 
at  the  visitors,  like  convicts  in  the  penitentiary,  and  resumed 
their  labours  in  silence.  The  party  soon  arrived  at  the  door 
»f  the  main  building,  when  the  old  porter  entered  alone,  and 


A   NARRATIVE.  73 

after  remaining  a  few  moments  within,  came  forth  and  an 
nounced  his  readiness  to  conduct  our  hero  into  the  presence 
of  the  fire-wizard.  Glenn  motioned  him  to  lead  on,  and  after 
following  through  a  short  hall,  and  turning  into  a  large 
chamber,  the  mysterious  lord  of  the  island  was  confronted, 
reclining  before  them  on  a  couch  of  furs.  He  appeared  to 
be  an  emaciated  and  decrepit  old  man,  his  long  white  beard 
extending  down  to  his  breast ;  and  when  he  motioned  our 
hero  to  a  seat,  his  hand  seemed  to  tremble  with  feebleness. 
Yet  there  was  something  in  his  eye  that  indicated  no  ordinary 
spirit,  and  instantly  impressed  Glenn  with  the  respect  that  he 
conceived  to  be  due  to  superior  genius ;  for  notwithstanding 
all  the  miraculous  things  told  of  the  fire-wizard,  he  rightly 
conjectured  the  personage  before  him  to  be  nothing  more 
than  a  human  being,  a  recluse,  perhaps,  and,  like  himself, 
seeking  in  solitude  the  enjoyments  which  (for  peculiar 
reasons)  could  not  be  found  among  mankind. 

"  What  brings  thee  hither  ?"  demanded  the  aged  man, 
after  a  few  minutes'  silence,  during  which  his  brilliant  eyes 
were  closely  fixed  upon  the  composed  features  of  Glenn. 

"  That  which  induced  thee  to  seek  such  a  solitary  abode," 
replied  our  hero. 

"  Have  you  no  fears  ?"  continued  the  old  man. 

"None!"  replied  Glenn,  firmly. 

"  Give  me  your  hand!"  exclaimed  the  old  man ;  "you 
are  the  only  being  that  ever  confronted  the  fire-wizard 
without  feeling  terror — and  for  those  who  know  not  fear 
there  is  no  danger.  Instead  of  a  menial,  or  a  victim,  I  will 
make  you  my  companion." 

"  Thank  him,  Mr.  Glenn,"  whispered  Joe,  "and  perhaps 
he  won't  hurt  us." 

"  I  am  seeking  amusement,"  said  Glenn ;  "  and  aa 
long  as  I  am  pleased,  it  matters  not  with  whom  or  where 
shall  be  my  abode.  But  the  moment  I  desire  it,  I  will  go 
hence." 

The  fire-wizard  motioned  the  attendant  to  withdraw,  who 
instantly  obeyed,  leading  Joe  out  at  the  same  time,  the 
poor  fellow  evincing  great  reluctance  to  be  separated  from 
Glenn. 

"  Before  exhibiting  to  you  the  mysterious  objects  which 
have  acquired  for  me  the  name  of  magician,"  said  the  old 
man,  "  I  will  briefly  give  you  my  history.  1  was,  in  youth, 


74  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

what  they  termed  an  idle  dreamer — ever  on  the  alert  for 
new  discoveries — and  was  more  laughed  at  than  encouraged 
in  my  pursuit  of  rare  inventions.  More  than  fifty  years 
ago  I  ascertained  that  steam  might  be  made  to  propel  ma 
chinery.  I  attempted  to  explain  the  principles  of  this 
discovery  to  my  fellow-men,  and  to  convince  them  of  the 
vast  benefits  that  might  result  from  it.  I  was  not  heeded 
— nay,  I  was  insulted  by  their  indifference — and  made  a 
solemn  vow  that  its  advantages  should  never  be  reaped 
through  my  instrumentality.  In  secret  I  constructed  a 
small  steamboat,  and  having  placed  on  board  such  materials 
as  might  be  required,  and  secured  the  assistance  of  a  requi 
site  number  of  artisans,  I  came  hither,  resolved  to  prosocute 
my  experiments  to  my  own  satisfaction  in  solitude,  where 
the  taunts  of  skeptics  could  not  reach  me.  Follow,  and 
you  shall  behold  what  has  been  the  result  of  my  unre 
strained  researches."  The  old  man  arose,  and  conducted 
our  hero  across  the  yard  to  a  curtained  shelter  on  one  side 
of  the  inclosure. 

"  La !  if  that  ain't  its  foot !"  exclaimed  Joe,  who  joined 
our  hero,  and  observing  a  large  foot,  resembling  in  shape 
that  of  the  swan,  under  the  folds  of  the  curtain,  while  the 
old  wizard  paused  a  moment  before  unveiling  the  curious 
object.  It  was  as  Joe  surmised :  when  the  canvas  was 
withdrawn,  an  artificial  swan  of  monstrous  dimensions, 
though  perfect  in  all  its  proportions,  was  revealed  to  their 
wondering  gaze.  A  little  beyond,  another  curtain  was  drawn 
aside,  and  an  eagle,  holding  in  its  beak  a  bloody  crown,  and 
in  its  talons  a  silken  banner  of  stripes  and  stars,  stood  be 
fore  them  in  the  attitude  of  springing  up  in  the  air. 

"Which  will  you  try  first?"  demanded  the  fire-wizard, 
while  a  proud  smile  played  on  his  lips. 

"  Can  either  of  them  be  set  in  motion  by  your  art  ?"  asked 
Glenn. 

"  Both  !"  exclaimed  the  wizard.  "  If  you  will  tarry  till 
the  ice  is  gone,  the  swan  shall  rush  through  the  strongest 
current  as  swiftly  as  the  wild  horse  careers  over  the  prairie; 
or  the  eagle  shall  even  now  dart  beyond  the  clouds,  and 
transport  you  in  a  few  brief  hours  to  where  you  will  see  the 
briny  waves  rolling  against  the  distant  Atlantic  coast  1" 

Glenn  was  incredulous,  and  his  unbelief  was  betrayed 
by  a  smile,  in  spite  of  his  efforts  to  the  contrary. 


A   NARRATIVE.  75 

"Bring  hither  a  lamp !"  said  the  wizard  to  the  attendant 
and  was  quickly  obeyed. 

"  Oh,  don't  make  him  mad !  He's  going  to  do  something 
now!"  whispered  Joe  to  Glenn.  The  wizard  touched  a 
spring;  the  breast  of  the  eagle  flew  open,  and  within 
could  be  seen  polished  wheels  and  other  portions  of  a  com 
plicated  machinery.  The  old  man  next  applied  the  blaze 
of  the  lamp  to  some  spirits  within,  and  in  a  very  few  mi 
nutes  particles  of  steam  could  be  seen  to  escape  from  the 
eagle's  nostrils.  The  wizard  touched  another  spring,  and 
the  enormous  bird  strode  out  and  paused  in  the  centre  of 
the  area. 

"  If  you  would  behold  the  home  of  your  youth,  be  it 
whithersoever  it  may,  so  that  you  name  it,  follow  me,  and 
vour  eyes  shall  gaze  upon  that  spot  within  a  few  hours," 
said  the  sage,  as  the  wings  of  the  stupendous  eagle  slowly 
unfolded,  -and  rising  to  a  horizontal  position,  uncovered  a 
transparency  in  the  side  of  the  chest,  through  which  could 
be  seen  a  gorgeous  couch  within,  sufficiently  ample  to  con 
tain  two  men,  and  separate  from  the  fire  and  machinery  by 
a  partition  of  isinglass. 

"  Come!"  exclaimed  the  sage,  opening  the  tortoise-shell 
door  under  the  wing,  and  stepping  into  the  couch. 

•"Don't  do  any  such  thing!"  said  Joe. 

"  Ha !  ha !  ha !  Do  you  think  it  can  fly,  Joe  ?"  remarked 
Glenn,  laughing. 

"It  will  fly!"  said  the  old  man,  emphatically;  "  and  I 
charge  you  to  be  prepared  to  ascend  beyond  the  clouds,  if 
you  have  the  courage  to  occupy  a  portion  of  my  couch." 

"Though  I  cannot  believe  it  will  rise  at  your  bidding," 
replied  Glenn,  "yet,  should  it  do  so,  I  must  be  permitted 
to  regard  you  as. being  only  flesh  and  blood,  and  as  such,  I 
do  not  hesitate  to  venture  as  much  as  another  mortal  will ;" 
Baying  which,  our  hero  seated  himself  beside  the  reputed 
fire-wizard. 

The  old  man  closed  the  door,  and  drawing  forth  a  small 
compass  (his  companion  intimating  the  course,)  adjusted 
several  screws  within  convenient  reach,  accordingly ;  he 
then  pressed  a  small  lever  with  his  foot,  and  the  wings, 
after  quivering  a  moment,  flapped  quickly,  and  the  great 
eagle  darted  almost  perpendicularly  up  in  the  air,  and  was 
Deyond  the  reach  of  vision  in  a  very  few  seconds ! 


76  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

When  a  certain  height  was  attained,  the  wizard  turned 
the  bird  in  the  course  indicated  by  his  companion. 

"What  think  you  now  of  the  fire-wizard!"  demanded 
the  sage,  with  an  air  of  triumph. 

"  Still  that  he  is  a  man — but  a  great  one — and  this,  the 
perfection  of  his  art,  the  greatest  extent  the  Supreme  Being 
has  permitted  the  mind  of  a  man  to  attain !"  replied  Glenn, 
gazing  in  admiration  at  the  countries  far  below,  which  he 
was  passing  with  the  velocity  of  a  hurricane. 

"And  still  you  fear  not!"  demanded  the  wizard. 

"And  shall  not!"  replied  Glenn,  "so  long  as  yovir  fea 
tures  are  composed."  The  old  man  pressed  his  hand  and 
smiled. 

"  Yonder  is  St.  Louis !"  cried  Glenn,  running  his  eye 
along  the  valley  of  the  Missouri,  down  to  its  confluence  with 
the  Mississippi ;  and  a  short  distance  beyond,  descried  the 
town  in  question,  though  it  did  not  seem  to  be  larger  than 
one  ordinary  mansion,  with  its  garden  and  customary  ap 
pendages. 

"We  are  far  above  the  reach  of  vision  from  the  earth," 
said  the  wizard,  bounding  forward  to  endeavour  to  regulate 
a  part  of  the  machinery  that  had  for  some  time  attracted 
his  attention,  and  which  Glenn  believed  to  be  not  altogether 
right,  from  the  abrupt  movement  of  his  companion. 

"How  far  above  the  earth  are  we?'  asked  Glenn. 

"  About  twenty-five  miles — but  should  this  screw  givo 
way,  it  may  be  less  very  speedily  !"  exclaimed  the  old  man, 
almost  incoherently,  and  applying* all  his  strength  to  the 
loosened  screw  to  keep  it  in  its  place. 

"  Let  me  assist !"  exclaimed  Glenn,  springing  forward. 

"It's  gone  !"  cried  the  old  man;  "you  have  knocked  it 
out !  we  are  falling — crushed  !" 


"That's  just  what  I  expected,"  said  Joe,  addressing  the- 
fawn,  which  had  been  playing  with  the  dogs,  and  at  length 
ran  against  Glenn's  chair  so  violently  as  to  push  it  over 

"Oh!  oh!  oh!"  exclaimed  Glenn. 

"Goodness!     Are  you  hurt?"  asked  Joe. 

"Is  it  possible?  Am  I  alive,  and  here?"  exclaimed 
Glenn,  staring  wildly  round,  and  doubting  his  own  identity. 

"Well,  I  never  heard  a  dead  man  talk,  as  I  know  of, 


A   NARRATIVE.  7? 

before ;  and  as  to  our  being  here,  if  your  own  eyes  don't 
convince  you,  I'll  swear  to  it,"  said  Joe. 

"  Did  I  not  go  up  to  the  island  this  morning  ?"  inquired 
Glenn. 

"No,"  said  Joe. 

"  Did  you  not  accompany  me,  and  fire  at  the  buck  ?'' 
interrogated  Glenn,  resuming  his  seat. 

"No — I'll  be  hanged  if  I  did!"  said  Joe  somewhat 
warmly. 

"What  haye  I  been  doing  all  day?" 

"  You've  been  sitting  there  fast  asleep,  and  I  presume 
you  were  dreaming." 

"  Thank  Heaven,  it  was  but  a  dream !"  exclaimed  Glenn, 
laughing. 

"A  dream?"  responded  Joe,  sitting  down  on  his  stool, 
and  soliciting  Glenn  to  relate  it  to  him.  Glenn  complied, 
and  the  narration  was  nothing  more  than  what  the  incredu 
lous  reader  has  been  staring  at  all  this  time.  But  we  will 
make  amends. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

A  hunt — A  deer  taken — The  hounds — Joe  makes  a  horrid  discovery — 
Sneak — The  exhumation. 

"!T  beats  all  the  dreams  I  ever  heard,"  said  Joe,  feeling 
his  right  shoulder  with  his  left  hand. 

"  Why  do  you  feel  your  shoulder,  Joe  ?"  asked  Glenn, 
smilling,  as  he  recollectp-l  the  many  times  his  man  had  suf 
fered  by  the  rebound  of  his  musket,  and  diverted  at  the 
grave  and  thoughtful  expression  of  his  features. 

"  It  was  a  dream,  wasn't  it?"  asked  Joe,  with  simplicity, 
still  examining  his  shoulder. 

"  But  you  know  there  was  no  lead  in  the  gun,  and  it 
could  not  rebound  with  much  violence,"  said  Glenn. 

"I'll  soon  see  all  about  it,"  exclaimed  Joe,  springing 
ap  and  running  to  his  gun.  After  a  careful  examination  h» 

T^. 


78  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

returned  to  his  stool  beside  the  fire,  and  sat  some  minutes, 
with  the  musket  lying  across  his  knees,  and  his  chin  in  his 
hand,  plunged  in  profound  meditation  on  the  imaginary 
incidents  which  had  just  been  related  to  him.  Had  the 
dream  been  an  ordinary  one,  and  he  not  an  actor  in  it, 
it  might  have  passed  swiftly  from  his  memory;  but  inas 
much  as  the  conduct  imputed  to  him  was  so  natural,  and 
the  expressions  he  was  made  to  utter  so  characteristic,  he 
could  not  but  regard  it  as  a  vision  far  more  significant  and 
important  than  a  mere  freak  of  the  brain  during  a  moment 
of  slumber. 

"  What  are  you  studying  about  ?"  interrogated  Glenn. 

"I  can't  understand  it,"  replied  Joe,  shaking  his  head. 

"Neither  can  the  most  renowned  philosopher,"  said 
Glenn ;  "  but  you  can  tell  whether  your  musket  has  been 
discharged." 

"  It  hasn't  been  fired,"  said  Joe.  "  But  what  distresses 
me  is,  that  there  should  be  only  a  charge  of  powder  in  it, 
just  as  you  stated,  and  when  I  drew  out  the  shot  you  were 
fast  asleep.  You  must  have  heard  me  say  I  intended  to  do 
it." 

"Not  that  I  remember,"  said  Glenn. 

"  Then  there  must  be  a  wizard  about,  sure  enough,"  said 
Joe,  and  he  crossed  himself. 

"  Suppose  we  take  our  guns  and  walk  out  in  the  direc 
tion  mentioned  ?"  said  Glenn;  "  I  feel  the  want  of  exercise 
after  my  sleep,  and  have  some  curiosity  to  test  the  accuracy 
of  my  dream  by  comparing  the  things  described  with  the 
real  objects  on  the  island." 

"  Not  for  the  world !"  cried  Joe,  lifting  both  hands  im 
ploringly ;  "but  I  will  gladly  go  anywhere  else,  just  to  see 
if  the  bushes  are  as  beautiful  as  you  thought  they  were, 
and  if  the  deer  can't  run  on  the  snow-crust  as  well  ad  the 
dogs." 

"  Come  on,  then — I  care  not  which  course  we  go,"  said 
Glenn,  taking  up  his  gun,  and  leading  the  way  out  of  the 
inclosure. 

They  pursued  a  we&eerly  course  until  they  reached  nearly 
to  the  edge  of  the  prairie,  when  they  paused  in  the  mids*. 
of  a  cluster  of  hazel  bushes,  to  admire  the  beauty  of  the 
novel  scene.  The  description  had  been  perfect.  Even 
Glenn  surveyed  the  euibluzonry  of  magic  "  fic.-t  -.\ork 


A   NARRATIVE.  79 

•round  nim  -with  some  misgivings  as  to  the  fallacy  of  hia 
nsion.  Joe  stared  at  his  master  with  a  curious  and  ludi 
crous  expression. 

*•  I  am  not  dreaming  now,  Joe,"  said  he,  with  a  smile. 

*'  How  do  you  know  ?"  asked  Joe. 

"  That's  well  pur,"  said  Glenn  ;  "indeed,  I  am  very  sure 
tnat  many  of  my  lively  and  spirited  friends  in  Philadelphia 
and  New  York,  could  they  but  see  me,  would  swear  that  I 
have  been  dreaming  every  day  for  the  last  three  months. 
However,  I  have  not  now  the  same  reverence  for  the  sylvan 
gods  I  was  so  much  inclined  to  worship  in  my  last  sleep ; 
and,  moreover,  I  am  the  first  to  see  the  deer  this  time. 
Yonder  it  stands.  It  is  not  a  buck,  though ;  capture  it  as 
soon  as  you  please." 

"Where  is  it?"  exclaimed  Joe,  his  superstition  vanish 
ing  as  he  anticipated  some  sport ;  and,  gliding  quickly  to 
Glenn's  side,  he  beheld,  under  the  branches  of  a  low  scrubby 
oak  tree,  the  head  and  ears  of  a  large  doe.  It  was  intently 
watching  our  pedestrians,  and  stood  motionless  in  the  am 
bush,  on  which  it  vainly  relied  to  obscure  it  from  the  'eyea 
of  an  enemy. 

"You  must  not  fire,"  said  Glenn,  placing  his  hand  on 
the  shoulder  of  Joe.  Joe  lowered  his  musket  reluctantly, 
and  turning  his  eyes  to  his  master,  seemed  inclined  to  re 
lapse  into  the  belief  that  all  was  not  right  and  natural  in 
their  proceedings. 

"  Now  go  to  it,"  said  Glenn,  gently  taking  the  gun  from 
Joe. 

"  I'd  rather  not,"  said  Joe. 

"  Why  ?     A  doe  cannot  hurt  you — it  has  no  horns." 

"  I  don't  fear  it — I'm  only  afraid  it  will  run  away,"  said 
Joe,  eager  to  secure  the  prize. 

"  Try  it,  at  all  events ;  if  it  should  run  very  fast,  I  think 
I  shall  be  able  to  arrest  its  career  with  the  gun,"  said 
Glenn,  who  prepared  to  fire,  provided  the  deer  was  likely 
to  escape  the  clutches  of  Joe. 

"  Here  goes !"  cried  Joe,  leaping  through  the  small 
bushes  towards  the  covert.  The  deer  moved  not  until  Joe 
reached  within  a  few  feet  of  it,  when,  making  a  mighty 
spring,  it  bounded  over  the  head  of  its  assailant,  and  its 
sharp  feet  running  through  the  icy  surface  of  the  snow, 
penetrated  so  far  down,  from  the  force  of  its  weight,  that 


80  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

it  was  unable  to  escape.  It  now  lay  quite  still,  with  its 
large  blue  eyes  turned  imploringly  to  its  foe.  Joe  seized  it 
by  the  hind  feet,  and  exultingly  exclaimed  that  the  prize 
was  safely  his  own.  The  trembling  and  unresisting  animal 
appeared  to  be  as  perfectly  submissive  as  a  sheep  in  the 
hands  of  the  shearer. 

**  You  have  it,  sure  enough !"  said  Glenn,  coming  up 
and  viewing  the  scene  with  interest. 

"  Lash  me  if  I  haven't !"  said  Joe,  much  excited.  "  Have 
you  got  any  sort  of  a  string  about  you  ?" 

"No." 

"  Please  cut  down  a  hickory  withe,  and  peel  the  bark  off 
for  me,  while  I  hold  its  legs." 

Glenn  drew  out  his  hunting  knife,  but  paused  when  in 
the  act  of  executing  his  man's  request,  and  turning,  with 
a  smile  playing  upon  his  lip,  said — 

"Perhaps,  Joe,  this  is  but  another  dream;  and  if  so,  it 
is  folly  to  give  ourselves  any  unnecessary  trouble." 

"Lash  me  if  it  ain't  reality  !"  replied  Joe,  as  the  deer 
at  length  began  to  struggle  violently. 

Extricating  its  feet  from  his  grasp,  the  doe  bestowed  a 
well  directed  kick  on  its  foe's  head,  which  tumbled  him 
over  on  his  back.  The  animal  then  sprang  up,  but  aware 
there  was  no  chance  of  escape  by  running,  faced  about  and 
plied  its  bony  head  so  furiously  against  Joe's  breast  and 
sides  that  he  was  forced  to  scamper  away  with  all  possible 
expedition. 

"  Has  it  bruised  you,  Joe  ?  If  so,  this  is  certainly  no 
dream,"  remarked  Glenn. 

"  Oh,  goodness  !  I'm  battered  almost  to  a  jelly.  I'll  take 
my  oath  there's  no  dreaming  about  this.  Let  me  go  after 
Ringwood  and  Jowler." 

"  It  would  be  too  cruel  to  let  the  hounds  tear  the  poor 
thing,"  said  Glenn  ;  "  but  after  you  have  bound  its  feet  to 
gether,  you  may  bring  out  one  .of  the  horses  and  a  sled,  and 
convey  it  home  unhurt." 

"The  horses  can't  go  in  this  deep  snow,"  said  Joe. 

"True,  I  forgot  that.  Take  your  musket  and  shoot  it," 
said  Glenn,  turning  away,  not  wishing  to  witness  the  death 
of  the  deer. 

"Id  rather  take  him  prisoner,"  said  Joe,  loworiog  hi« 


A   NARRATIVE.  81 

musket  after  taking  a  long  aim.  "  I  can  drag  it  on  tnt 
Bled  myself." 

"  Then  go  for  it,"  said  Glenn  ;  "  and  you  may  bring  the 
hounds  along ;  I  will  exercise  them  a  little  after  that  fox 
which  keeps  such  a  chattering  in  the  next  grove.  But  first 
let  us  secure  the  deer." 

Joe  charged  upon  the  doe  once  more,  and  when  it  aimeJ 
Another  blow  at  him,  he  threw  himself  under  its  body,  and 
the  animal  falling  over  on  its  side,  the  combined  eiforts  of 
the  men  sufficed  to  bind  its  feet.  Joe  then  went  to  the 
house  for  the  hounds  and  the  sled,  and  Glenn  leant  against 
the  oak,  awaiting  his  return.  It  was  not  long  before  the 
hounds  arrived,  which  was  soon  succeeded  by  the  approach 
of  Joe  with  the  sled.  Ringwood  and  Jowler  evinced  pal 
pable  signs  of  delight  on  beholding  the  bound  captive,  but 
their  training  was  so  perfect  that  they  showed  no  disposition 
to  molest  it  without  the  orders  of  their  master.  One  word 
from  Glenn,  and  the  deer  would  have  been  instantly  torn 
in  pieces ;  but  it  was  exempt  from  danger  as  long  as  that 
word  was  withheld. 

Joe  soon  came  up,  and  in  a  very  few  minutes  the  doe 
was  laid  upon  the  sled.  When  he  was  in  the  act  of  start 
ing  homewards  with  his  novel  burden,  the  hounds,  contrary 
to  their  usual  practice,  refused  to  accompany  Glenn  to  the 
thicket  north  of  their  position,  where  the  fox  was  still  heard, 
and  strangely  seemed  inclined  to  run  in  a  contrary  direction. 
And  what  was  equally  remarkable,  while  snuffing  the  air 
towards  the  south,  they  gave  utterance  to  repeated  fierce 
growls.  Joe  was  utterly  astonished,  and  Glenn  was  fast 
losing  the  equanimity  of  his  temper. 

"  There's  something  more  than  common  down  there ; 
see  how  Ringwood  bristles  up  on  the  back,"  said  Joe. 

"Run  there  with  the  hounds,  and  see  what  it  is,"  said 
Glenn. 

"And  I'll  take  my  musket,  too,"  said  Joe,  striding  in 
the  direction  indicated,  with  the  hounds  at  his  heels  and 
Ms  musket  on  his  shoulder. 

When  he  reached  a  narrow  rivulet  about  one  hundred 
paces  distant,  that  gradually  widened  and  deepened  until 
it  formed  the  valley  in  which  the  ferry-house  was  situated 
A  half  mile  below,  he  paused  and  suffered  the  hounds  to 
lead  the  way.  They  ran  a  short  distance  up  the  ravine 


S2  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

find  halted  at  the  edge  of  a  small  thicket,  and  commenced 
barking  very  fiercely  as  they  scented  the  air  under  the 
bushes. 

"  I'll  het  it's  another  bear,"  said  Joe,  putting  a  fresh 
priming  in  the  pan  of  his  musket,  and  proceeding  after  the 
hounds.  "  If  it  is  a  bear,  ought  I  to  fool  with  him  by  my 
self?"  said  he,  pausing  at  the  edge  of  the  thicket.  "  I  might 
get  my  other  ear  boxed,"  he  continued,  "  and  it's  not  such 
a  pleasant  thing  to  be  knocked  down  by  the  heavy  fist  of  a 
big  black  bear.  If  I  don't  trouble  him,  he'll  be  sure  to 
let  me  alone.  What  if  I  call  the  dogs  off,  and  go  back  ? 
But  what  tale  can  I  manufacture  to  tell  Mr.  Glenn  ?  Pshaw ! 
What  should  I  fear,  with  such  a  musket  as  this  in  my  hand  ? 
I  can't  help  it.  I  really  believe  I  am  a  little  touched  with 
cowardice  !  I'm  sorry  for  it,  but  I  can't  help  it.  It  was 
born  with  me,  and  it's  not  my  fault.  Confound  it !  I  will 
screw  up  courage  enough  to  see  what  it  is,  anyhow." 
Saying  this,  he  strode  forward  desperately,  and  urging  the 
hounds  onward,  followed  closely  in  the  rear  in  a  stooping 
posture,  under  the  hazel  bushes. 

In  a  very  few  moments  Joe  reached  the  head  of  the  ravine, 
but  to  his  astonishment  and  no  little  satisfaction,  he  beheld 
nothing  but  a  shelving  rock,  from  under  which  a  spring  of 
clear  smoking  water  flowed,  and  a  large  bank  of  snow 
which  had  drifted  around  it,  but  through  which  the  gurgling 
stream  had  forced  its  way.  Yet  the  mystery  was  not  solved. 
Ringwood  and  Jowler  continued  to  growl  and  yelp  still  more 
furiously,  running  round  the  embankment  of  snow  repeat 
edly,  and  ever  and  anon  snuffing  its  icy  surface. 

"Whip  me  if  I  can  figure  out  this,"  said  Joe;  "what 
in  the  world  do  the  dogs  keep  sticking  their  noses  in  that 
snow  for?  There  can't  be  a  bear  in  it,  surely.  I've  a 
notion  to  shoot  into  it.  No  I  won't.  I'll  do  this,  though," 
and  drawing  out  his  long  knife  he  thrust  it  up  to  the  handle 
in  the  place  which  seemed  the  most  to  attract  the  hounds. 

"  Freeze  me  if  it  hasn't  gone  into  something  besides  the 
unow !"  exclaimed  he,  conscious  that  the  steel  had  pene 
trated  some  firm  substance  below  the  frozen  snow-crust. 
**  What  the  deuce  is  it  ?"  he  continued,  pulling  out  the  knife 
and  examining  it.  "Ha!  blood,  by  jingo!"  he  cried, 
springing  up ;  "  but  it  can't  be  a  living  bear,  or  it  would 
have  moved;  and  if  it  had  moved,  the  stab  woull  have 


A    NARRATIVE.  83 

killed  it.  I  won't  be  afraid!"  said  he,  again  plunging  hia 
knife  into  it.  "It  don't  move  yet — it  must  be  dead — whyr 
it's  frozen.  Pshaw !  any  thing  would  freeze  here,  in  less 
than  an  hour.  I'll  soon  see  what  it  is."  Saying  this,  he 
knelt  down  on  the  embankment,  and  commenced  digging 
the  snow  away  with  all  his  might.  The  dogs  crouched 
down  beside  him,  growling  and  whining  alternately,  and 
otherwise  exhibiting  symptoms  of  restlessness  and  distress. 

"  Be  still,  poor  Ringwood,  I'm  coming  to  him;  I  see  some 
thing  dark,  but  there's  no  hair  on  it.  Ugh  !  hallo !  Oh 
goodness!  St.  Peter!  Ugh!  ugh!  ugh!"  cried  he,  spring 
ing  up,  his  face  as  pale  as  the  snow,  his  hair  standing  up 
right,  his  chin  fallen,  and  his  eyes  almost  straining  out  of 
their  sockets.  Without  taking  his  gun,  or  putting  on  his 
hat,  he  ran  through  the  bushes  like  a  frightened  antelope, 
leaping  over  ditches  like  a  fox-chaser,  tearing  through  op 
posing  grape  vines,  and  not  pausing  until  his  course  was 
suddenly  arrested  by  Glenn,  who  seized  him  by  the  skirt  of 
the  coat,  and  hurled  him  on  his  back  beside  the  sled  on 
which  the  deer  was  bound. 

"What  is  the  matter?"  demanded  Gl«nn. 

Joe  panted  painfully,  and  was  unable  to  answer. 

"What  ails  you,  I  say  ?"  repeated  Glenn  in  a  loud  voice. 

"Peter" — panted  Joe. 

"Do  you  mean  the  pony?" 

"St.  Peter!"  ejaculated  Joe. 

"Well,  what  of  St.  Peter?" 

"  Oh,  let  me  be  off !"  cried  he,  endeavouring  to  scramble 
to  his  feet.  But  he  was  most  effectually  prevented.  For 
no  sooner  had  he  turned  over  on  his  hands  and  knees,  than 
Glenn  leaped  astride  of  him. 

"  Now,  if  you  will  go,  you  shall  carry  me  on  your  back, 
and  I  will  pelt  the  secret  out  of  you  with  my  heels,  as  we 
travel !" 

"  Just  let  me  get  in  the  house  and  fasten  the  door,  and 
I  will  tell  you  every  word,"  said  Joe  imploringly. 

"  Tell  me  now,  or  you  shall  remain  in  the  snow  all  day 
long !"  said  Glenn,  with  a  hand  grasping  each  side^of  Joe's 
neck. 

"Oh,  what  shall  I  do?  I  can't  speak!"  yelled  Joe, 
trying  outright,  the  large  tear-drops  falling  Irom  his  nos« 
and  chin. 


8*  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"You  have  not  lo.«t  your  voice,  I  should  say,  at  all 
events. ''  i«plie^  Glenn,  somewhat  touched  with  pity  at  his 
man's  unequivocal  distress,  though  he  could  scarce  restrain 
his  laughter  when  he  viewed  his  grotesque  posture.  "  What 
has  become  of  your  musket  and  hat?"  he  added. 

"I  left  them  both  there,"  said  Joe,  gradually  becoming 
composed  under  the  weight  of  his  master. 

"Where?"  asked  Glenn. 

"At  the  cave-spring." 

"Well,  what  made  you  leave  them  there?" 

"Just  get  off  my  back  and  I'll  tell  you.  I'm  getting 
over  it  now ;  I'm  going  to  be  mad  instead  of  frightened, ' 
said  Joe,  with  real  composure. 

"Get  up,  then;  but  I  won't  trust  you  yet.  You  must 
still  suffer  me  to  hold  your  collar,"  said  Glenn. 

"If  you  go  to  the  cave-spring  you  will  see  a  sight !" 

"What  kind  of  a  sight?" 

"Such  a  sight  as  I  never  dreamed  of  before!" 

"Then  it  has  been  nothing  but  a  dream  this  time,  after 
all  your  foolery?" 

"  No,  I'll  be  shot  if  there  was  any  dreaming  about  it," 
replied  Joe ;  and  he  related  every  thing  up  to  the  horrid 
discovery  which  caused  him  to  retreat  so  precipitately,  and 
then  paused,  as  if  dreading  to  revert  to  the  subject. 

"  What  did  you  find  there  ?  Was  it  any  thing  that  could 
injure  you?" 

"No,"  said  Joe,  shaking  his  head  solemnly. 

"Why  did  you  run,  then?"  demanded  Glenn,  impa 
tiently. 

"The  truth  is,  I  don't  know  myself,  now  I  reflect  about 
it.  But  I'd  rather  not  tell  what  I  saw  just  yet.  I  was 
oretty  considerably  alarmed,  wasn't  I?" 

"Ridiculous!  I  will  not  be  trifled  with  in  this  manner 
Tell  me  instantly  what  you  saw!"  said  Glenn,  his  vexation 
and  anger  overcoming  his  usual  indulgent  nature. 

"I'll  tell  you  now — it  was  a — : — Didn't  you  see  them 
bushes  move?"  asked  Joe,  staring  wildly  at  a  clump  of  su 
mach  bushes  a  few  paces  distant. 

"What  was  it  you  saw. at  the  cave-spring!"  shouted 
Gkan,  his  face  turning  red. 

*I — I" — responded  Joe,   his   eyes   still   fixed  en  the 
bashes.   "It  was  a Ugh !" — cried  he,  starting,  as  ho 


A   NARRATIVE.  85 

beheld  the  little  thicket  open,  and  a  tall  man  rise  up, 
holding  in  his  hand  a  bunch  of  dead  muskrats. 

"Dod  speak  on — I  want  to  hear  what  it  was — I've  been 
laying  here  all  this  time  waiting  to  know  what  great  thing 
it  was  that  skeered  you  so  much.  I  never  laughed  so  in 
all  my  life  as  I  did  when  he  got  a-straddle  of  you.  I  was 
coming  up  to  the  sled,  when  I  saw  you  streaking  it  through 
the  vines  and  briers,  and  then  I  squatted  down  awhile  to  see 
what  would  turn  up  next." 

"  Ha !  ha !  ha !  is  it  you,  Sneak  ?  I  thought  you  was  an 
Indian !  Come  on,  I'll  tell  now.  It  was  a  man's  moccasin!" 
said  Joe,  in  a  low,  mysterious  tone. 

"And  you  ran  in  that  manner  from  an  old  moccasin!" 
said  Glenn,  reproachfully. 

"But  there  was  a  foot  in  it!"  continued  Joe. 

"A  he  man's  foot?"  inquired  Sneak,  quickly  turning  to 
Joe. 

"  How  could  I  tell  whether  it  was  a  he  man's  foot,  or  a 
female  woman's,  as  you  call  them  ?"  replied  Joe. 

"Are  you  sure  it  was  a  human  being's  foot?"  demanded 
Glenn. 

"  Well,  I  never  saw  any  other  animal  but  a  man  wear  a 
buckskin  moccasin!"  replied  Joe. 

"  An  Irishman  can't  tell  any  thing  right,  nohow  you  can 
fix  it,"  said  Sneak. 

"  They  can't  tell  how  you  make  wooden  nutmegs,"  re 
torted  Joe. 

*  Come,"  said  Glenn,  "  we  will  go  and  examine  for  our 
selves." 

The  party  set  off  in  a  brisk  walk,  and  soon  reached  the 
scene  of  Joe's  alarm.  Sure  enough,  there  was  the  mocca 
sin,  and  a  man's  foot  in  it ! 

"  It's  somebody,  after  all,"  said  Sneak,  giving  the  frozen 
foot  a  kick. 

"Ain't  you  ashamed  to  do  that?"  said  Joe,  knitting  his 
brows. 

"  He's  nothing  more  than  a  stone,  now.  Why  didn't  he 
holler  when  you  stuck  your  knife  into  him?"  replied 
Sneak. 

"  Dig  him  up,  that  we  may  see  who  he  is,"  said  Glenn. 

"I'd  rather  not  touch  him,"  said  Joe. 

"You're  a  foul '"  said  Sneak.  "Stand  off,  and  let  me 

8 


80  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

at  Um — I'll  soon  see  who  he  is."  Sneak  threw  down  his 
murtkrats,  and  with  his  spear  and  knife  soon  extricated  the 
body,  which  he  handled  as  unceremoniously  as  he  would 
have  done  a  log  of  wood.  "  Dod  rot  your  skin  !"  he  ex 
claimed,  when  he  brushed  the  snow  from  the  man's  face. 
He  then  threw  down  the  body  with  great  violence. 

"Oh  don't!"  cried  Joe,  while  the  cold  chills  ran  up  his 
back. 

"Who  is  it?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  It's  that  copper-snake,  traitor,  skunk,  water-dog,  lizard- 
hawk,  horned  frog " 

"  Who  do  you  mean?"  interrupted  Glenn. 

"Posin,  the  maliverous  rascal  who  collogued  with  the 
Injins  to  murder  us  all !  I'm  glad  he  got  his  dose — and  if 
he  was  alive  now,  I'd  make  him  swaller  at  ^east  two  foot 
of  my  spear,"  said  Sneak. 

"  'Twas  me — I  killed  him — look  at  the  buck-shot  holes 
in  his  back!"  exclaimed  Joe,  now  recovering  from"  his  ex 
citement  and  affright. 

"  Yes,  and  you're  a  nice  chap,  ain't  you,  to  run  like 
flugins  from  a  dead  man  that  you  killed  yourself!"  said 
Sneak. 

"  How  did  I  know  that  I  killed  him  ?"  retorted  . 

"Any  fool  might  know  .he  was  dead,"  replied  Sneak. 

"I'll  pay  you  for  this,  some  of  these  times,"  said  Joe. 

"How  shall  we  bury  him?"  asked  Glenn. 

"That  can  be  done  real  easy,"  said  Sneak,  taking  hold 
of  the  dead  man's  leg  and  dragging  him  along  on  the  snow 
like  a  sled. 

"What  are  you  going  to  do  with  him?"  demanded 
Glenn. 

"I'm  a  going  to  cut  a  hole  in  the  ice  on  the  river,  and 
push  him  under,"  said  Sneak. 

"You  shall  do  no  such  thing!"  said  Glenn,  firmly;  "he 
must  be  buried  in  the  earth." 

"Just  as  you  say,"  said  Sneak,  submissively,  throwing 
down  the  leg. 

"  Run  home  and  bring  the  spades,  Joe,"  said  Glenn, 
"and  call  for  the  ferrymen  to  assist  us." 

"And  I'll  take  the  sled  along  and  leave  it  in  the  yard," 
said  Joe,  starting  in  the  direction  of  the  deer  and  calling 
ihe  hounds  after  him. 


A   NARRATIVE.  87 

"Let  the  hounds  remain,"  said  Glenn.  "I  am  resolved 
to  have  my  fox-hunt."  Joe  soon  disappeared. 

"  If  you  want  to  hunt,  you  can  go  on ;  Roughgrove  and 
me  will  bury  this  robber,"  said  Sneak. 

"Be  it  so,"  said  Glenn;  "but  remember  that  you  are 
not  to  put  him  in  the  river,  nor  must  you  commit  any 
indecent  outrage  upon  his  person.  Let  his  body  return 
to  the  earth — his  soul  is  already  in  the  hands  of  Him  who 
created  it." 

'That's  as  true  as  gospel,"  said  Sneak;  "and  I  would 
rather  be  froze  in  this  snow  than  to  have  his  hot  berth  in 
the  t'other  world.  I  don't  feel  a  bit  mad  at  him  now — 
he's  paying  for  his  black  dagiverous  conduct  hard  enough 
by  this  time,  I'll  be  bound.  I  say,  Mr.  Glenn,  it'll  be 
rather  late  when  we  get  through  with  this  job — will  there 
be  any  vacant  room  at  your  fireside  to-night?" 

"  Certainly,  and  something  to  eat — you  will  be  welcome, 
provided  you  don't  quarrel  too  much  with  Joe,"  replied 
Glenn. 

"  Oh,  Joe  and  me  understand  each  other — the  more  we 
quarrel  the  more  we  love  one  another.  We'll  never 
fight — do  you  mind  that — for  he's  a  coward  for  one  thing, 
and  I  won't  corner  him  too  close,  because  he's  broad-shoul 
dered  enough  to  lick  me,  if  he  was  to  take  it  into  his  head 
to  fight." 

Glenn  called  the  hounds  after  him  and  set  out  in  quest 
of  the  fox,  and  Sneak  turned  to  the  dead  body  and  mused 
In  silence. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Boone — The  interment — Startling  intelligence — Indians  about — A  skunk 
— Thrilling  fears — Boone's  device. 

ERE  long  Joe  was  on  his  way  back  to  tne  cave-spring, 
with  several  spades  on  his  shoulder,  accompanied  by  Boone, 
(v;ho  had  just  crossed  the  river  on  a  visit  to  Glenn,)  and 
Roughgrove,  with  his  two  oarsmen. 


88  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"Is  Glenn  at  the  spring  with  Sneak?"  asked  Boone,  in 
a  very  thoughtful  and  grave  manner. 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  left  him  there,  and  I  now  hear  him  with  the 
hounds  chasing  a  fox,"  replied  Joe,  in  true  native  style. 

"  If  he  is  with  the  hounds,  he  is  certainly  not  at  the 
spring,"  remarked  -Roughgrove. 

"  I  meant  that  he  was  there,  or  thereabouts,"  replied  Joe. 

"Who  found  the  dead  man?"  inquired  Boone. 

"  I  did — that  is,  when  the  dogs  scented  him — and  it  al 
most  frightened  me  when  I  dug  out  his  foot,"  said  Joe. 

"No  doubt !"  observed  Boone. 

The  party  now  moved  along  in  silence,  still  permitting 
Joe  to  lead  the  way,  until  they  suddenly  emerged  from  the 
thicket  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  spring,  when  an 
unexpected  scene  attracted  their  notice.  Sneak  was  com 
posedly  seated  on  the  body  of  the  dead  man,  and  very 
deliberately  searching  his  pockets  ! 

"  Well !  that  beats  all  the  mean  actions  I  ever  beheld  be 
fore!"  said  Joe,  pausing  and  staring  indignantly  at  Sneak. 

"You're  a  fool !"  replied  Sneak. 

1  What  for?  because  I  wouldn't  rob  the  dead?"  retorted 
Joe. 

"  Do  you  call  this  robbing  the  dead  ?  Hain't  this  traitor 
stoled  this  lump  of  gold  from  the  Injins  ?"  said  Sneak,  dis 
playing  a  rough  piece  of  the  precious  metal  about  the  size 
of  a  crow's  egg. 

"  Is  it  gold  ?"  asked  Joe,  with  some  anxiety. 

"Sartainly  it  is,"  answered  Sneak,  handing  it  to  him  to 
be  examined ;  "  and  what  good  could  come  of  burying  it 
agin  ?  I'll  leave  it  to  Mr.  Boone  to  say  if  I  ain't  right  in 
taking  it  myself." 

"  Oh,  any  thing  worth  this  much  ought  to  be  taken," 
said  Joe,  depositing  the  lump  of  gold  in  his  pocket. 

"  See  here,  my  chap,"  said  Sneak,  rising  up  and  casting 
a  furious  glance  at  him,  "  if  you  don't  mean  to  hand  that 
out  again,  one  or  the  t'other  of  us  must  be  put  in  the  ground 
with  the  traitorious  Posin — and  if  it  is  to  be  you,  it'll  be  a 
Durty  thing  for  it  to  be  said  that  you  brought  a  spade  to 
bury  yourself  with." 

"Didn't  I  find  the  body?"  said  Joe. 

"But  burn  me  if  you  found  the  gold,"  said  Sneak. 

"Shall  I  decide  the  matter?"  interposed  lloughgrovc. 


A   NARRATIVE.  89 

"  I'm  willing,"  said  Sneak. 

"And  so  am  I,"  replied  Joe. 

"  Then  give  it  to  me,  and  I'll  cut  it  in  two,  ani  give  a 
half  to  each  of  you,"  said  Roughgrove. 

The  decision  was  final;  and  seizing  the  spades,  Joe, 
Sneak,  and  the  oarsmen  began  to  prepare  a  resting-place 
for  the  dead  body.  Boone  continued  silent,  with  his  eyes 
steadfastly  gazing  at  the  earth  which  the  workmen  began 
to  throw  up. 

"  Posin's  done  ferrying  now,"  said  Dan  Rudder,  one  of 
the  defunct's  old  companions  in  the  service  of  Roughgrove. 

"  No  he  ain't,"  said  Sneak,  throwing  up  a  spadeful  of 
flint  stones. 

"I'll  keep  some  of  these  for  my  musket,"  said  Joe. 

"Why  ain't  he?"  demanded  Dan. 

"  Because  he's  got  to  cross  the  river — the  river — what 
do  they  call  it  ? — the  river  Poles,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Styx,  you  dunce,"  said  Joe. 

"Well,  'twas  only  a  slip  of  the  tongue — what's  the  dif 
ference  between  poles  and  sticks  ?" 

"  You  never  read  any  thing  about  it ;  you  only  heard 
somebody  say  so,"  said  Joe,  pausing  to  listen  to  the  hounds 
that  ever  and  anon  yelped  in  the  vicinity. 

"  If  I  didn't,  I  don't  believe  the  man  that  wrote  that 
book -ever  crossed,  or  even  had  a  squint  at  the  river  him 
self,"  replied  Sneak. 

"Whereabouts  is  the  river?"  asked  Dan. 

"In  the  lower  regions,"  said  Joe,  striking  his  spade 
against  a  hard  substance. 

"What's  that  you're  scraping  the  dirt  off  of?"  asked 
Sneak. 

"  Oh,  my  goodness !"  cried  Joe,  leaping  out  of  the  grave. 

"Let  it  remain!"  said  Boone,  in  a  commanding  tone, 
looking  in  and  discovering  a  skull ;  "  I  once  buried  a  friend 
here — he  was  shot  down  at  my  side  by  the  Indians." 

"  Fill  up  the  hole  agin  !  Posin  shan't  lay  on  top  of  any 
of  your  friends!"  exclaimed  Sneak,  likewise  leaping  out  of 
the  grave. 

"It  matters  not — but  do  as  you  please,''  said  Boone, 
turning  away  and  marking  the  distressed  yelping  of  the 
hounds,  which  indicated,  from  some  unusual  cause,  that 
they  did  not  enjoy  the  chase  as  much  as  was  their  wont. 

8* 


90  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  Split  me  if  he  shan't  be  buried  somewhere  else,  if  1 
have  to  dig  the  hole  myself,"  said  Sneak,  filling  up  the 
grave. 

"I'll  stick  by  you,  Sneak,"  said  Dan. 

"  Dan  and  me  '11  finish  the  job ;  all  the  rest  of  you  may 
go  off,"  said  Sneak,  releasing  the  rest  of  the  party  from 
any  further  participation  in  the  depositing  of  the  remains 
of  Posin  in  the  earth. 

"  Glenn  does  not  yet  understand  Ringwood  and  Jowler," 
said  Boone,  still  listening  to  the  chase. 

"  I  never  heard  the  dogs  bark  that  way  before  until 
to-dav,"  said  Joe;  "only  that  night  when  we  killed  the 
buffalo." 

"Something  besides  the  buffalo  caused  them  to  do  it 
then,"  replied  Boone. 

"Yes,  indeed — they  must  have  known  the  fire  was  com 
ing — but  the  fire  can't  come  now." 

'Sneak,"  said  Boone,  "when  you  are  done  here,  come 
to  Mr.  Glenn's  house." 

"  I  will,  as  soon  as  I  go  to  my  muskrat  trap  out  at  the 
lake  and  get  my  rifle." 

"Be  in  a  hurry,"  Said  Boone;  and  turning  towards  the 
chase,  he  uttered  a  "  Ya-ho!"  and  instantly  the  hounds  were 
hushed. 

'Dod!"  exclaimed  Sneak,  staring  a  moment  at  Boone, 
while  his  large  eyes  seemed  to  increase  in  size,  and  then 
rolling  up  his  sleeves,  he  delved  away  with  extraordinary 
dispatch. 

In  a  very  short  space  of  time,  Ringwood  and  Jowlei 
rushed  from  the  thicket,  and  leaping  up  against  the  breast 
of  their  old  master,  evinced  a  positive  happiness  in  once 
more  beholdii.g  him.  They  were  soon  followed  by  Glenn, 
who  dashed  briskly  through  the  thicket  to  see  who  it  was 
that  caused  his  hounds  to  abandon  him  so  unceremoniously. 
No  sooner  did  he  discover  his  aged  friend  than  he  ran  for 
ward  and  grasped  his  hand. 

"  I  thought  not  of  you,  and  yet  I  could  think  of  no  one 
else  who  might  thus  entice  my  noble  hounds  away.  Re 
turn  with  me,  and  we  will  have  the  fox  in  a  few  minutes — 
he  is  now  nearly  exhausted,"  said  Glenn. 

"Molest  him  not,"  said  Boone.  "  Did  you  not  observe 
how  reluctantly  the  hounds  chased  him?" 


,  A    NARRATIVE.  91 

"I  did;  what  was  the  cause  of  it  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  The  breeze  is  tainted  with  the  scent  of  Indians  !"  whis 
pered  Boone. 

"  Again  thou  art  my  preserver !"  said  Glenn,  in  a  low 
tone. 

"  I  came  to  give  you  intelligence  that  the  Osages  would 
probably  be  upon  you  in  a  few  days,"  said  Boone ;  "  but  I 
did  not  think  they  were  really  in  the  neighbourhood  until  I 
heard  your  unerring  hounds.  Col.  Cooper,  of  my  settlement, 
made  an  excursion  southward  some  ten  days  ago  to  explore 
a  region  he  had  never  visited;  but  observing  a  large  war- 
party  at  a  distance,  coming  hitherward,  he  retreated  pre 
cipitately,  and  reached  home  this  morning.  Excessive 
fatigue  and  illness  prevented  him  from  accompanying  me 
over  the  river ;  and  what  is  worse,  nearly  every  man  in  our 
settlement  is  at  present  more  than  a  hundred  miles  up  the 
river,  trapping  beaver.  If  we  are  attacked  to-night,  or 
even  within  a  day  or  two,  we  have  nothing  to  depend  upon 
but  our  own  force  to  defend  ourselves." 

"  Should  it  be  so,  I  doubt  not  we  will  be  able  to  with 
stand  them  as  successfully  as  we  did  before,"  said  Glenn. 

"  Let  us  go  with  Roughgrove  to  his  house,  and  take  his 
daughter  and  his  effects  to  your  little  fortress,"  said  Boone, 
joining  the  old  ferryman,  whom  a  single  word  sufficed  to 
apprize  of  the  state  of  affairs. 

"  I  must  prepare  for  the  worst,  now,"  said  Roughgrove ; 
"  they  will  never  forget  or  forgive  the  part  I  acted  on  the 
night  of  their  defeat." 

Boone,  Glenn,  and  Roughgrove  proceeded  down  the 
valley,  while  Joe  seemed  disposed  to  loiter,  undetermined 
what  to  engage  in,  having  cast  an  occasional  curious  glance 
at  Boone  and  his  master  when  engaged  in  their  low  conver 
sation,  and  rightly  conjecturing  that  ''something  wrong  was 
in  the  wind,"  as  he  expressed  it. 

"Why  don't  you  go  home?"  asked  Sneak,  rolling  the 
dead  body  into  the  grave,  and  dashing  the  mingled  earth 
and  snow  remorselessly  upon  it. 

"  I'll  go  when  I'm  ready,"  replied  Joe  ;  "but  I  should 
Uke  to  know  what  all  that  whispering  and  nodding  was 
about." 

"  T  can  tell  you,"  said  Dan ;  but  his  speech  was  suddenly 
arrested  by  a  sign  from  Sneak, 


92  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"I  wish  you  would  tell  me,"  continued  Joe,  manifesting 
no  little  uneasiness. 

"  Have  you  got  a  plenty  to  eat  at  your  house  ?"  asked 
Sneak. 

"To  be  sure  we  have,"  said  Joe;  "now  tell  me  what's 
in  the  wind." 

"  If  I  was  to  tell  you,  I  bet  you'd  be  frightened  half  to 
death,"  remarked  Sneak,  driving  down  a  headstone,  hav 
ing  filled  up  the  grave. 

"No  !  no — I — indeed  but  I  wouldn't,  though  !"  said  Joe, 
tremblirg  at  every  joint,  the  true  cause,  for  the  first  time, 
occurring  to  him.  "  Ain't  it  Indians,  Mr.  Sneak  ?" 

"  Don't  call  me  Mister  agin,  if  you  please.  There  are 
more  moccasins  than  the  one  you  found  in  these  parts, 
that's  all." 

"I'll  go  home  and  tell  Mr.  Glenn!"  said  Joe,  whirling 
round  quickly. 

"  Dod  rot  your  cowardly  hide  of  you  !"  said  Sneak,  star 
ing  at  him  contemptuously ;  "  now  don't  you  know  he 
knowed  it  before  you  did  ?" 

"  Yes — but  I  was  going  home  to  tell  him  that  some  bul 
lets  must  be  run — that's  what  I  meant." 

%<  Don't  you  think  he  knows  that  as  well  as  -you  do  ?" 
continued  Sneak. 

"  But  I — I  must  go  !"  exclaimed  Joe,  starting  in  a  half 
run,  with  the  hounds  (which  had  been  forgotten  by  their 
master)  following  at  his  heels. 

"  Let  me  have  the  hounds,  to  go  after  my  gun — the  red 
skins  might  waylay  me,  if  I  go  alone,  in  spite  of  all  my 
cunning  woodcraft,"  said  Sneak. 

"Go  back!"  cried  Joe,  to  the  hounds.  They  instantly 
obeyed,  and  the  next  moment  Joe  was  scampering  home 
ward  with  all  the  speed  of  which  his  legs  were  capable. 

When  he  reached  the  house,  his  fears  were  by  no  means 
allayed  on  beholding  the  most  valuable  articles  of  Rough- 
grove's  dwelling  alreadj'  removed  thither,  and  the  ferryman 
himself,  his  daughter,  Boone  and  Glenn,  assembled  in  con 
sultation  within  the  inclosure.  Joe  closed  the  gate  hurriedly 
after  him,  and  bolted  it  on  the  inside. 

"  Why  did  you  shut  the  gate  ?  Open  it  again,"  said 
Glenn. 

"  Ain't  we  besieged  again  ?  ain't  the  Indians  all  around 


A  NARRATITE.  93 

us,  ready  to  rush  in  and  take  our  scalps  ?"  said  Joe,  obey 
ing  the  command  reluctantly. 

"  They  will  not  trouble  us  before  night,"  said  Rough- 
grove. 

"No,  we  need  not  fear  them  before  night,"  remarked 
Boone,  whose  continued  thoughtful  aspect  impressed  Glenn 
with  the  belief  that  he  apprehended  more  than  the  usual 
horrors  of  Indian  warfare  during  the  impending  attack. 

"  They  will  burn  father's  house,  but  that  is  nothing  com 
pared  to  what  I  fear  will  be  his  own  fate  !"  murmured  Mary, 
dejectedly. 

"  We  can  soon  build  him  another,"  said  Glenn,  moved 
by  the  evident  distress  of  the  pale  girl;  "and  I  am  very 
sure  that  my  little  stone  castle  will  suffice  to  preserve  not 
only  your  father  and  yourself,  but  all  who  take  shelter  in  it, 
from  personal  injury.  So,  cheer  up,  Mary." 

"  Oh,  I  will  not  complain  ;  it  pained  me  most  when  1 
first  heard  they  were  coming  once  more ;  I  will  soon  be  calm 
again,  and  just  as  composed  when  they  are  shooting  at  us, 
as  I  was  the  other  time.  But  you  will  be  in  a  great  deal 
more  danger  than  you  were  that  night.  Yet  Boone  is  with 
us  again — he  must  save  us,"  said  Mary. 

"Why  do  you  think  there  will  be  more  danger,  Mary?" 
asked  Glenn. 

"  Yes,  why  do  you  think  so  ?"  interposed  Joe,  much  in 
terested  in  the  reply. 

"Because  the  snow  is  so  deep  and  so  firm,  they  will  leaf 
over  the  palisade,  if  there  be  a  great  many  of  them,"  re 
plied  Mary.  Glenn  felt  a  chill  shoot  through  his  breast, 
for  this  fact  had  not  before  occurred  to  him. 

"  Oh,  goodness  ! — let  us  all  go  to  work  and  shovel  it  away 
on  the  outside,"  cried  Joe,  running  about  in  quest  of  the 
spades.  "Oh,  St.  Peter!"  he  continued,  "the  spades  are 
out  at  the  cave-spring  !" 

"  Run  and  bring  them,"  said  Glenn. 

"  Never — not  for  the  world  !  They'd  take  my  scalp  to 
a  certainty  before  I  could  get  back  again,"  replied  Joe, 
trembling  all  over. 

"  There  is  no  danger  yet,"  said  Roughgrove.  the  deep 
snow  having  occurred  to  him  at  the  first  announcement  of 
the  threatened  attack,  and  produced  many  painful  fears  in 
fiis  breast,  \\hich  caused  a  sadness  to  rest  upon  his  time 


94  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

worn  features;  "but,"  he  continued,  "it  would  not  be  in 
our  power  to  remove  the  snow  in  two  whole  days,  and  a  few 
hours  only  are  left  us  to  prepare  for  the  worst." 

"Let  them  come  within  the  inclosure,"  said  Glenn,  "and 
even  then  they  cannot  harm  us.  The  walls  of  my  house 
are  made  of  stone,  and  so  is  the  ceiling ;  they  can  only 
burn  the  roof — I  do  not  think  they  can  harm  our  persons. 
We  have  food  enough  to  last  for  months,  and  there  is  no 
likelihood  of  the  siege  lasting  a  single  week." 

"I'll  make  sure  of  the  deer,"  muttered  Joe  ;  and  before 
any  one  could  interpose,  he  struck  off  the  head  of  the  doe 
with  an  axe,  as  it  still  lay  bound  upon  the  sled.  And  he 
was  brandishing  the  reeking  steel  over  the  neck  of  the  fawn, 
that  stood  by,  looking  on  innocently,  when  a  cry  from  Mary 
arrested  the  blow. 

"If  you  injure  a  hair  of  Mary's  gift,"  said  Glenn,  in 
anger,  "you  shall  suffer  as  severe  a  fate  yourself." 

"Pardon  me,"  said  Joe  to  Mary;  "I  was  excited — I 
didn't  hardly  know  what  I  was  doing.  I  thought  as  we 
were  going  to  be  pent  up  by  the  Indians,  for  goodness  only 
knows  how  long,  that  we'd  better  provide  enough  food  to 
keep  from  starving.  I  love  the  fawn  as  well  as  you  do, 
and  Mr.  Glenn  loves  it  because  you  gave  it  to  him ;  but 
its  natural  to  prefer  our  own  lives  to  the  lives  of  dumb 
animals." 

"  I  forgive  you,"  said  Mary,  playing  with  the  silken  ears 
of  the  pet. 

"Say  no  more  about  it,"  said  Glenn;  "but  as  you  are 
BO  anxious  to  be  well  provided  with  comforts,  if  we  are 
besieged,  there  is  one  thing  I  had  forgotten,  that  is  abso 
lutely  necessary  for  our  existence,  which  you  can  procure." 

"  What  is  it  t  Be  quick,  for  we  havn't  a  moment  to  lose," 
said  Joe. 

"Water,"  replied  Glenn. 

"  That's  a  fact — but — its  way  off  at  the  spring,  by  the 
ferry,"  said  Joe,  disliking  the  idea  of  exposing  himself 
without  the  inclosure. 

"  True,  yet  it  must  be  had.  If  you  can  get  it  nearer  to 
us,  you  are  at  liberty  to  do  so,"  said  Glenn. 

"Here  conies  Sneak,"  said  Mary;  "he  will  assist  you." 

Sneak  readily  agreed  to  the  proposition,  and  he  and  Joe 
Bet  out,  eacli  with  a  large  bucket,  while  the  rest  of  the  paity, 


A   NARRATIVE.  95 

with  the  exception  of  Boone  (who  desired  to  be  left  alone,) 
retired  within  the  house. 

When  Sneak  and  Joe  were  filling  their  buckets  at  the 
spring  the  second  time,  the  hounds  (which  attended  them 
at  Joe's  special  request)  commenced  barking. 

"What's  that?"  cried  Joe,  dashing  his  bucket,  water 
and  all,  in  Sneak's  lap,  and  running  ten  or  fifteen  feet  up 
the  hill. 

"  Dod  rot  your  cowardly  heart !"  exclaimed  Sneak,  ris 
ing  up  and  shaking  the  cold  water  from  his  clothes;  "if  I 
don't  pay  you  for  this,  I  wish  I  may  be  shot !" 

"  I  thought  it  was  the  Indians,"  said  Joe,  still  staring  at 
the  small  thicket  of  briers,  where  the  hounds  were  yet 
growling  arid  bounding  about  in  a  singular  manner. 

"  I'll  see  what  it  is  and  then  pay  you  for  this  ducking," 
said  Sneak,  walking  briskly  to  the  edge  of  the  thicket, 
while  the  water  trickled  down  over  his  moccasins. 

"What  is  it?"  cried  Joe,  leaping  farther  up  the  ascent 
with  great  trepidation,  as  he  saw  the  hounds  run  out  of  the 
bushes  as  if  pursued,  and  even  Sneak  retreating  a  feitf 
paces.  But  what  seemed  very  unaccountable  was  a  smile 
on  Sneak's  elongated  features. 

"What  in  the  world  can  it  be?"  repeated  JOP 

'  Ha!  ha!  ha!  if  that  ain't  a  purty  thing  to  s^^r  a  full- 
grown  man  into  fits !"  said  Sneak,  retreating  y«*  farther 
from  the  thicket. 

"  What  makes  you  back  out,  then  ?"  inquired  Jo*  The 
hounds  now  ran  to  the  men,  and  the  next  moment  a  small 
animal,  not  larger  than  a  rabbit,  of  a  dark  colour,  with  long 
white  stripes  from  the  nose  to  the  tail,  made  its  appearance, 
and  moved  slowly  toward  the  spring.  Sneak  ran  up  the 
hill  beyond  the  position  occupied  by  Joe,  maintaining  all 
the  time  a  most  provoking  smile. 

"  Who's  scared  into  fits  now,  I  should  liH  to  know ?" 
retorted  Joe. 

"  I  wish  I  had  my  gun,"  said  Sneak. 

"Hang  me,  if  I'm  afraid  of  that  little  tiling,"  said  Joe. 
Still  the  hounds  ran  round,  yelping,  but  never  venturing 
within  thirty  feet  of  the  animal. 

"I'll  be  whipped  if  I  understand  all  this !"  said  Joe,  in 
utter  astonishment,  looking  at  Sneak,  and  then  at  the 
bounds. 


96  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"Why  don't  you  run?"  cried  Sneak,  as  the  animal  con 
tinued  to  advance. 

"I  believe  you're  making  fun  of  me,"  said  Joe;  "that 
little  thing  can't  hurt  anybody.  Its  a  pretty  little  pet,  and 
I've  a  notion  to  catch  it." 

"What  are  you  talking  about?  You  know  you're  afraid 
of  it,"  said  Sneak,  tauntingly. 

"I'll  show  you,"  said  Joe,  springing  upon  the  animal. 
The  polecat  (for  such  it  was)  gave  its  assailant  a  taste  of 
its  quality  in  a  twinkling.  Joe  grasped  his  nose  with  both 
hands  and  wheeled  away  with  all  possible  expedition,  while 
the  animal  pursued  its  course  towards  the  river. 

"My  goodness,  I've  got  it  all  over  my  coat !"  exclaimed 
Joe,  rolling  on  the  snow  in  agony. 

"  Didn't  I  say  I'd  pay  you  for  spilling  the  cold  water  on 
me  ?"  cried  Sneak,  in  a  convulsion  of  laughter. 

"Why  didn't  you  tell  me,  you  rascal?"  cried  Joe,  flushed 
in  the  face,  and  forgetting  the  Indians  in  his  increasing 
anger. 

"Oh,  I'll  laugh  myself  sore — ha!  ha!  ha!"  continued 
Sneak,  sitting  down  on  the  snow,  and  laughing  obstre 
perously. 

"You  long,  lopsided  scoundrel,  you.  My  Irish  blood  ia 
up  now,"  said  Joe,  rushing  towards  Sneak  with  a  resolution 
to  fight. 

"I'll  be  whipt  if  you  tech  me  with  them  hands,"  said 
Sueak,  running  away. 

"  Oh,  what  shall  I  do  ?"  cried  Joe,  sinking  down,  his 
rage  suddenly  subdued  by  his  sickening  condition. 

"If  you'll  say  all's  square  betwixt  us,  I'll  tell  you  what 
to  do.  If  you  don't  do  something  right  quick,  they  won't 
let  you  sleep  in  the  house  for  a  month." 

"  Well.     Now  tell  me  quick  !" 

"  Pull  off  your  coat  before  it  soaks  through." 

"  I  didn't  think  of  that,"  said  Joe,  obeying  with  alacrity, 
and  shivering  in  the  cold  air. 

"  Now  twist  a  stick  into  it,  so  you  can  carry  it  up  to  the 
house,  without  touching  it  with  your  hands,  that  is,  if  none 
of  it  got  on  'em,"  continued  Sneak. 

"  There  ain't  a  bit  anywhere  else  but  on  the  shoulder  of 
my  co*t,'  said  Joe,  acting  according  to  Sneak's  instruc 
tions.  Filling  their  buckets,  they  at  length  started  towards 


A   NARRATIVE.  97 

the  house,  Joe  holding  a  bucket  in  one  hand,  and  a  long 
pole,  on  which  dangled  his  coat,  in  the  other.  When  they 
entered,  the  company  involuntarily  started;  and  Glenn, 
losing  all  control  over  his  temper,  hurled  a  book  at  his 
man's  head,  and  commanded  him  not  to  venture  in  his  pre 
sence  again  until  he  could  by  some  means  dispense  with 
his  horrid  odor. 

"Foller  me,"  said  Sneak,  leading  the  way  to  the  stable, 
nnd  taking  with  him  one  of  the  spades  he  had  brought  in 
from  the  burial;  "now,"  he  continued,  when  they  were 
with  the  horses,  "  dig  a  hole  at  this  end  of  the  stall,  and 
bury  your  coat.  If  you  hadn't  took  it  in  the  house,  like  a 
dunce,  they'd  never  'ave  known  any  thing  about  it." 

"  Oh,  my  goodness  !  I'm  sick !"  said  Joe,  urging  the 
spade  in  the  earth  with  his  foot,  and  betraying  unequivocal 
signs  of  indisposition.  However,  the  garment  was  soon 
covered  up,  and  the  annoyance  abated. 

But  no  sooner  was  Joe  well  out  of  this  difficulty,  than 
the  dread  of  the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife  returned  in 
greater  force  than  ever. 

Boone  remained  taciturn,  his  clear,  eagle-eye  scanning 
the  palisade,  and  the  direction  from  which  the  savages 
would  be  most  likely  to  come. 

Joe  approached  the  renowned  pioneer  for  the  purpose  of 
asking  his  opinion  respecting  the  chances  of  escaping  with 
life  from  the  expected  struggle,  but  was  deterred  by  his  se 
rious  and  commanding  glance.  But  soon  a  singular  change 
came  over  his  stern  features,  and  as  sudden  as  strange. 
His  countenance  assumed  an  air  of  .triumph,  and  a  half- 
formed  smile  played  upon  his  lip.  His  meditations  had 
doubtless  resulted  in  the  resolution  to  adopt  some  decisive 
course,  which,  in  his  opinion,  would  insure  the  safety  of 
the  little  garrison.  His  brow  had  been  watched  by  the 
inmates  of  the  house,  and,  hailing  the  change  with  joy, 
they  came  forth  to  ascertain  more  certainly  their  fate. 

"  How  much  powder  have  you,  my  young  friend?"  asked 
B  Done.' 

"Five  kegs,"  answered  Glenn,  promptly. 

"Then  we  are  safe  !"  said  Boone,  in  a  pleasant  and  af 
fable  manner,  which  imparted  confidence  t*  tbe  whole 
party. 

9 


98  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  I  thought — I  almost  knew  that  we  were  safe,  with 
among  us,"  said  Mary,  playing  with  Boone's  hand. 

"  But  you  must  not  venture  out  of  the  house  as  much  aa 
you  did  before,  my  lass,  when  arrows  begin  to  fly,"  replied 
Boone,  kissing  the  maiden's  forehead. 

"But  I'll  mould  your  bullets,  and  get  supper  for  you," 
said  Mary. 

"That's  a  good  child,"  said  Roughgrove;  "go  in,  now, 
and  sot  about  your  task." 

Mary  bowed  to  her  father,  and  glided  away.  The  men 
then  clustered  round  Boone,  to  hear  the  plan  that  was  to 
avail  them  in  their  present  difficulty. 

"In  times  of  peril,"  said  Boone,  "my  knowledge  of  the 
Indian  character  has  always  served  me.  I  first  reflect  what 
I  would  do  were  I  myself  a  savage;  and,  in  taking  mea 
sures  to  provide  against  the  things  which  I  imagine  would 
be  done  by  myself,  I  have  never  yet  been  disappointed. 
The  Indians  will  not  rashly  rush  upon  us,  and  expose 
themselves  to  our  bullets,  as  they  storm  the  palisade.  Had 
they  the  resolution  to  do  this,  not  one  of  us  would  escape 
alive,  for  they  would  tear  down  the  house.  It  is  a  very 
large  war  party,  and  they  could  begin  at  the  top  and  be 
fore  morning  remove  every  stone.  But  they  shall  not  touch 
one  of  them " 

"I'm  so  glad  !"  ejaculated  Joe. 

"  Hush  your  jaw !"  said  Sneak. 

"They  will  be  divided  into  two  parties,"  continued 
Boone ;  "one  party  will  attack  us  from  the  west  with  their 
arrows,  keeping  at  a  respectful  distance  ^  from  our  guns, 
while  the  other  will  force  a  passage  to  the  palisade  from 
the  east  without  being  seen,  for  they  will  come  under  the 
enow !  We  must  instantly  plant  a  keg  of  powder,  on  the 
outside  of  the  inclosure,  and  blow  them  up  when  they  come. 
Joe,  bring  out  a  keg  of  powdef,  and  also  the  fishing  rods  1 
saw  in  the  house.  The  latter  must  be  joined  together,  and 
a  communication  opened  through  them.  They  must  be 
filled  with  powder  and  one  end  placed  in  the  keg,  while  the 
other  reaches  the  inclosure,  passing  through  an  auger  hole. 
You  all  understand  now  what  is  to  be  done — let  us  go  to 
work — we  have  no  time  to  spare." 

It  was  not  long  before  every  thing  was  executed  accord- 


A   NARRATIVE. 


tng  to  the  directions  of  Boone,  and  at  nightfall  each  man 
was  stationed  at  a  loophole,  with  gun  in  hand,  awaiting  the 
coming  of  the  savages. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Night — Sagacity  of  the  hounds — Reflection — The  sneaking  savages — Joe's 
disaster — The  approach  of  the  foe  under  the  snow — The  silent  watch. 

THE  night  was  beautiful.  The  moon  sailed  through  a 
cloudless  sky,  and  the  north  wind,  which  had  whistled  loudly 
among  the  branches  of  the  trees  in  the  valley  at  the  close 
of  day,  was  hushed,  and  a  perfect  calm  pervaded  the  scene. 

" What're  you  leaving  your  post  for?"  asked  Sneak,  as 
Joe  suddenly  abandoned  his  watch  on  the  west  side  of  the 
inclosure,  and  tripped  across  to  Roughgrove. 

"  Mr.  Roughgrove — Mr.  Roughgrove,"  said  Joe,  in  a  low 
tone. 

"Well,  what  do  you  want  with  me?"  responded  the  old 
ferryman. 

"  I  wanted  to  tell  you  that  your  two  oarsmen  are  forgotten, 
and  to  ask  you  if  we  hadn't  better  call  to  them  to  come  up 
here,  where  they'll  be  out  of  danger?" 

"They  are  not  forgotten,"  said  Roughgrove;  "I  sent 
them  over  the  river  to  procure  assistance,  if  possible." 

"  Thank  you.'  I'm  glad  they're  out  of  danger.  I  couldn't 
re'it  till  I  found  out  something  about  them,"  said  Joe,  re 
tiring  ;  but  instead  of  resuming  his  watch,  he  slipped  into 
the  house. 

"-He's  at  his  old  tricks  agin,"  said  Sneak,  when  he  ob 
served  him  stealthily  enter  the  door.  "Come  out,  1  say!" 
be  continued,  in  a  loud  voice. 

"What  is  the  matter?"  interrogated  Glenn,  from  hia 
station  on  the  north. 

"Why,  that  feller's  crept  into  the  house  agin,  '  replied 
Sneak. 


iOO  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

**  Well,  but  he's  come  out  again,"  said  Joe,  reappearing, 
and  walking  reluctantly  to  his  loophole. 

"  What  did  you  go  in  for  ?"  demanded  Glenn. 

"  I  just  wanted  to  tell  Miss  Mary  that  the  two  oarsmen 
that  helped  us  to  bury  Posin  were  gone  over  the  river,  and 
were  safe." 

"  Did  she  ask  for  this  information  ?"  inquired  Glenn. 

"No,  not  exactly,"  responded  Joe  ;  "but  I  thought  if  I 
was  uneasy  about  the  young  men  myself,  that  she,  being 
more  delicate  than  a  man,  must  be  considerably  distressed." 

"  A  mere  subterfuge  !  See  that  you  do  not  leave  your 
post  in  future,  under  any  circumstances,  without  permission 
to  do  so." 

"I  won't,"  replied  Joe,  peering  through  his  loophole. 

Matters  remained  quiet  for  a  great  length  of  time,  and 
Glenn  began  to  hope  that  even  Boone  had  been  mistaken. 
But  Boone  himself  had  no  doubts  upon  the  subject.  Yet 
he  seemed  far  more  affable  and  cheerful  than  he  did  before 
the  plan  of  resistance  was  formed  in  his  mind.  Occasion 
ally  he  would  walk  round  from  post  to  post,  and  after  scan 
ning  the  aspect  without,  direct  the  sentinels  to  observe 
closely  certain  points,  trees  or  bushes,  where  he  thought 
the  enemy  might  first  be  seen.  He  never  hinted  once  that 
there  was  a  possibility  of  escaping  an  attack,  and  the  little 
party  felt  that  the  only  alternative  was  to  watch  with  dili 
gence  and  act  with  vigor  and  resolution  when  assailed. 

"Do  you  think  they  are  now  in  this  immediate  neighbour 
hood  ?"  inquired  Glenn. 

"  They  are  not  far  off,  I  imagine,"  replied  Boone ;  and 
culling  the  hounds  from  the  stable,  he  continued,  "I  can 
show  you  in  which  quarter  they  are."  The  hounds  well 
understood  their  old  master.  At  his  bidding  they  snuffed 
the  air,  and  whining  in  a  peculiar  manner,  with  their  heads 
turned  towards  the  west,  the  vicinity  of  the  savages  was 
not  only  made  manifest,  but  their  location  positively  point 
ed  out. 

"  I  was  not  aware,  before,  of  the  inestimable  value  of 
your  gift,"  said  Glenn,  gazing  at  the  hounds,  and  completely 
ionvinced  that  their  conduct  was  an  unerring  indication  of 
the  presence  of  the  foe. 

"Eh!  Ringwood !"  exclaimed  Boone,  observing  that  his 
favorite  hound  now  pointed  his  nose  in  a  northern  direction 


A    NARRATIVE.  101 

%nd  uttered  a  low  growl.  "  Indeed  !"  he  continued,  "  they 
nave  got  in  motion  since  we  have  been  observing  the 
hounds.  I  was  not  mistaken.  Even  while  we  were  speak 
ing  they  divided  their  strength.  One  party  is  even  now 
moving  round  to  the  east,  and  at  a  given  signal  the  other 
will  attack  us  on  the  west,  precisely  as  I  predicted.  See ! 
Ringwood  turns  gradually." 

"  And  you  think  the  greatest  danger  is  to  be  apprehended 
from  those  on  the  east?"  said  Glenn. 

"Yes,"  said  Boone,  "for  the  others  cannot  approach 
near  enough  to  do  much  injury  without  exposing  chern- 
selves  to  great  peril." 

"  But  how  can  you  ascertain  that  they  will  cut  a  passage 
under  the  snow,  and  the  precise  direction  in  whicu  they 
will  come?" 

"Because,"  said  Boone,  "we  are  situated  near  the  clirf 
on  the  east,  to  the  summit  of  which  they  can  climb,  without 
being  exposed  to  our  fire,  and  thence  it  is  likewise  the 
shortest  distance  they  can  find  to  cut  a  passage  to  us  under 
the  snow.  Mark  Ringwood!"  he  continued,  as  the  hound 
having  made  a  semicircle  from  the  point  first  noticed,  be 
came  at  length  stationary,  and  crouching  down  on  tiie  earth, 
(where  the  snow  had  been  cleared  away  at  Boone's  post,) 
growled  more  angrily  than  before,  but  so  low  be  could  not 
have  been  heard  twenty  paces  distant. 

"  This  is  strange — very  strange,"  said  Glenn. 

A  sound  resembling  the  cry  of  an  owl  was  heard  in  the 
direction  of  the  cliff.  It  was  answered  on  the  west  appa 
rently  by  the  shrill  howl  of  a  wolf. 

"  The  signal !"  said  Boone.  "  Now  let  us  be  on  tiie  alert,' 
he  continued,  "  and  I  think  we  will  surprise  then:.,  both  on 
and  under  the  snow.  Let  no  one  fire  without  nrst  con 
sulting  me,  even  should  they  venture  within  the  range  of 
your  guns." 

The  party  resumed  their  respective  stations,  and  once 
more  not  a  sound  of  any  description  was  heard  for  a  con 
siderable  length  of  time.  Roughgrove  was  at  tnc  side  of 
Boone,  and  the  other  three  men  were  posted  as  before  de 
scribed.  The  hounds  had  been  sent  back  to  their  lair  iu 
the  stable.  Not  a  motion,  animate  or  inanimate,  save  the 
occasional  shooting  of  the  stars  in  the  begemmed  rirmament, 
could  be  observed. 


102  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES.* 

While  Glenn  rested  upon  his  gun,  attracted  ever  and 
anon  by  the  twinkling  host  above,  a  throng  of  unwonted 
memories  crowded  upon  him.  He  thought  of  his  guileless 
youth ;  the  uncontaminated  days  of  enjoyment  ere  he  had 
mingled  with  the  designing  arid  heartless  associates  who 
strove  to  entice  him  from  the  path  of  virtue ;  of  the  hopes 
of  budding  manhood ;  of  ambitious  schemes  to  win  a  name 
by  great  and  honourable  deeds  ;  of  parents,  kindred,  home; 
of  her,  who  had  been  the  angel  of  all  his  dreams  of  para< 
iise  below :  and  then  he  contemplated  his  present  con 
dition,  and  notwithstanding  his  resolution  was  unabated, 
yet  in  spite  of  all  his  struggles,  a  tear  bedewed  his  cheek. 
He  felt  that  his  fate  was  hard,  but  he  knew  that  his  course 
was  proper,  and  he  resolved  to  fulfil  his  vow.  But  with 
his  sadness,  gloomy  forebodings,  and  deep  and  unusual 
thoughts  obtruded.  In  the  scene  of  death  and  carnage 
that  was  about  to  ensue,  it  occurred  to  him  more  than  once 
that  it  might  be  his  lot  to  fall.  This  was  a  painful  thought. 
He  was  brave  in  conflict,  and  would  not  have  hesitated  to 
rush  reckless  into  the  midst  of  danger;  but  he  was  calm 
now,  and  the  thought  of  death  was  appalling.  He  would 
have  preferred  to  die  on  a  nobler  field,  if  he  were  to  fall  in 
battle.  He  did  not  wish  to  die  in  his  youth,  to  be  cut  off, 
without  accomplishing  the  many  ends  he  had  so  often  medi 
tated,  and  without  reaping  a  few  of  the  sweets  of  life  as 
the  reward  of  his  voluntary  sacrifice.  He  also  desired  to 
appear  once  more  in  the  busy  and  detracting  world,  to  vin 
dicate  the  character  that  might  have  been  unjustly  aspersed, 
to  reward  the  true  friendship  of  those  whose  confidence  had 
never  been  shaken,  and  to  rebuke,  perhaps  forgive,  the  ene 
mies  who  had  recklessly  pursued  him.  But  another,  and 
yet  a  more  stirring  arid  important  thought  obtruded  upon 
his  reflections.  It  was  one  he  had  never  seriously  consi 
dered  before,  and  it  now  operated  upon  him  with  irresisti 
ble  power.  It  was  a  thought  of  things  beyond  the  grave. 
The  stillness  of  midnight,  the  million  stars  above  him,  the 
blue  eternal  expanse  through  which  they  were  distributed 
--the  repose  of  the  invisible  winds,  that  late  had  howle'l 
around  him — the  never-ceasing  flow  of  the  ice-bound  stream 
before,  him,  and  the  continual  change  of  hill  and  valley — 
now  desolate,  and  clothed  in  frosty  vestments,  and  anon 
teeming  witb  verdure  and  variegated  beauty — constrained 


A    NARRATIVE.  103 

him  to  acknowledge  in  the  secret  portals  of  his  breast  that 
chere  was  a  great,  ever-existing  Creator.  He  then  called  to 
mind  the  many  impressive  lessons  of  a  pious  mother,  which 
he  had  subsequently  disregarded.  He  remembered  the 
things  she  had  read  to  him  in  the  book  of  books — the  words 
of  prayer  she  taught  him  to  utter  every  eve,  ere  he  close! 
his  eyes  in  slumber — and  he  now  repeated  that  humble  pe 
tition  with  all  the  fervency  of  a  chastened  spirit.  He  felt 
truly  convinced  of  the  fallacy  of  setting  the  heart  and  the 
affections  altogether  on  the  things  of  this  world,  where 
mortals  are  only  permitted  to  abide  but  a  brief  space ;  and 
a  hearty  repentance  of  past  errors,  and  a  firm  resolve  to 
obey  the  requisitions  of  the  Omnipotent  in  future,  were  in 
that  hour  conceived  and  engraven  indelibly  upon  nig  heart. 

"Mr.  Boone  —  Mr.  Boone  —  Mr.  Boone  !"  cried  Joe, 
softly. 

"  Dod  !  don't  make  sich  a  fuss,"  said  Sneak. 

"Be  silent,"  whispered  Boone,  gliding  to  Joe,  and 
gazing  out  on  the  snow,  where  he  beheld  about  twenty 
savages  standing  erect  and  motionless,  not  eighty  paces 
distant. 

"I  came  within  an  ace  of  shooting,"  said  Joe,  "before 
I  thought  of  what  you  had  said.  I  pulled  the  trigger  with 
all  my  might  before  I  remembered  that  you  said  I  musn't 
shoot  till  you  told  me,  but  as  good  luck  would  have  it,  my 
musket  wasn't  cocked."  Boone  went  to  each  of  the  other 
loopholes,  and  after  scrutinizing  every  side  very  closely,  he 
directed  Sneak  and  Glenn  to  abandan  their  posts  and  join 
him  at  Joe's  stand,  for  the  purpose  of  discharging  a  deadly 
volley  at  the  unsuspecting  foe'. 

"  Does  it  not  seem  cruel  to  spill  blood  in  this  manner?" 
whispered  Glenn,  when  he  viewed  the  statue-like  forms  of 
the  unconscious  Indians. 

"Had  you  witnessed  the  barbarous  deeds  that /have 
seen  them  perform — had  you  beheld  the  innocent  babe  ruth 
lessly  butchered — your  children — your  friends  maimed, 
tomahawked,  scalped,  burned  before  your  eyes — could  you 
know  the  hellish  horrors  they  are  now  meditating — you 
would  not  entertain  much  pity  for  them,"  said  Boone,  in  a 
Low  tone,  evidently  moved  by  terrible  memories,  the  precise 
nature  of  which  the  one  addressed  could  not  understand 
But  Glenn's  scruples  vanished,  and  is  a  matter  of  necessity 


104  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES : 

he  determined  to  submit  without  reserve  to  tne  guidance 
of  his  experienced  friend. 

"I  should  like  to  know  how  them  yaller  rascals  got 
up  here  so  close  without  being  eyed  sooner,"  said  Sneak 
to  Joe. 

"  That's  what's  been  puzzling  me,  ever  sin^e  I  first  saw 
them,"  said  Joe,  in  scarce  audible  tones. 

"  Split  me  if  you  havn't  been  asleep,"  said  Sneak. 

"No  indeed  I  havn't,"  said  Joe.  "I'll  declare,"  he 
continued,  looking  out,  "  I  never  should  have  thought  of 
that.  I  see  now,  well  enough,  how  they  got  there  without 
my  seeing  them.  They've  got  a  great  big  ball  of  snow, 
half  as  high  as  a  man's  head,  and  they've  been  rolling  it 
all  the  time,  and  creeping  along  behind  it.  They're  all 
standing  before  it  now,  and  just  as  I  looked  one  moved  hia 
leg,  and  then  I  saw  what  ifc  was.  This  beats  the  old  boy 
himself.  It's  a  mercy  they  didn't  come  all  the  way  and 
shoot  me  in  the  eye  !" 

"Hush!"  said  Boone.  "They  must  have  heard  some 
thing,  or  supposed  they  did,  or  else  your  neglect  would 
have  been  fatal  to  you  ere  this.  They  are  now  waiting  to 
ascertain  whether  they  were  mistaken  or  not.  Move  not, 
and  speak  no  more,  until  I  order  you." 

"  I  won't,"  said  Joe,  still  gazing  at  the  erect  dark  forms. 

"  See  how  many  there  is — can't  you  count  'em  ?"  said 
Sneak,  in  a  whisper,  leaning  against  Joe,  and  slyly  taking 
a  cartridge  from  his  belt,  slipped  it  in  the  muzzle  of  the 
musket  which  was  standing  against  the  palisade. 

"What  're  you  doing  with  my  gun?"  asked  Joe,  in  a 
very  low  tone,  as  he  happened  to  turn  his  head  and 
see  Sneak  take  his  hand  away  from  the  muzzle  of  tin 
musket. 

"INothing — I  was  only  feeling  the  size  of  the  bore. 
It's  big  enough  to  kick  down  a  cow." 

"  What  are  you  tittering  about  ?  you  think  it's  a  going 
to  kick  me  again,  but  you're  mistaken — it  ain't  got  two 
loads  in  this  time." 

"  Didn't  Mr.  Boone  jest  tell  you  to  keep  quiet  ?"  said 
Sneak. 

"  Don't  you  speak — then  I  won't,"  responded  Joe. 

The  moon  had  not  yet  reached  the  meridian,  Mid  the 
dark  shadc-w  of  the  house  reaching  to  the  palisade  on  the 


A  NARRATIVE.  106 

:,  prevented  the  Indians  from  observing  the  moveme 
of  the  whites  through  the  many  slight  apertures  in  the 
inclosure,  but  through  which  the  besieged  party  could 
easily  observe  them. 

After  a  long  pause,  during  which  neither  party  had  ut 
tered  a  word  or  betrayed  animation  by  the  least  move 
ment,  Glenn  felt  the  weight  of  a  hand  laid  gently  on  hie 
shoulder,  and  turning  beheld  Mary  at  his  side.  Without 
a  motion  of  the  lips,  she  placed  in  his  hand  some  bullets 
she  had  moulded,  and  then  passing  on  to  the  other  men, 
gave  each  a  like  quantity. 

"  Retire,  now,  my  lass,"  said  Boone ;  and  when  she  re 
turned  to  the  house,  he  continued,  addressing  Glenn — "  If 
they  do  not  move  one  way  or  the  other  very  soon,  we  will 
give  them  a  broadside  where  they  are." 

"  And  we  could  do  execution  at  this  distance,"  observed 
Glenn. 

"  I'd  be  dead  sure  to  kill  one,  I  know  I  would,"  said 
Sneak. 

"  Let  me  see  if  I  could  take  aim,"  said  Joe,  deliber 
ately  pointing  his  musketthrough  the  loophole.  The  mus 
ket  had  inadvertently  been  cocked,  and  left  in  that  condi 
tion,  and  no  sooner  did  Joe's  finger  gently  press  upon  the 
trigger,  than  it  went  off,  making  an  astounding  report,  and 
veiling  the  whole  party  in  an  immense  cloud  of  smoke. 

"Who  did  that?"  cried  Boone,  stamping  with  vexation 

"Was  that  you,  Joe?"  demanded  Glenn. 

Joe  made  no  answer. 

"  Oh,  dad  !  my  mouth's  smashed  all  to  pieces !"  said 
Sneak,  crawling  up  from  a  prostrate  position,  caused  by 
the  rebound  of  the  musket,  for  he  was  looking  over  Joe's 
shoulder  when  the  gun  went  off. 

"Where's  Joe  ?"  inquired  Glenn,  pushing  Sneak  aside. 

"  He's  dead,  I  guess — I  believe  the  gun's  busted,"  said 
Sneak. 

"Now,  sir!  why  did  you  fire?"  cried  Glenn,  somewhat 
passionately,  stumbling  against  Joe,  and  seizing  him  by  the 
collar.  No  answer  was  made,  for  poor  Joe's  neck  was 
limber  enough,  and  he  quite  insensible. 

"  He's  dead  in  yearnest,  jest  as  I  told  you,"  said  Sneak; 
*'  for  that  gun  kicked  him  on  the  shoulder  hard  enough  to 
kill  a  cow — and  the  hind  side  of  his  head  struck  my  tootL 


106  WTLU    WESTERN   SCENES: 

hard  enough  to've  kilt  a  horse.     He's  broke  one  of  my 
upper  fore-teeth  smack  in  two." 

"Every  man  to  his  post !"  exclaimed  Boone,  as  a  shower 
of  arrows  rattled  about  the  premises. 

Sneak  now  occupied  Joe's  station,  and  the  first  glance  in 
the  direction  of  the  savages  sufficed  to  determine  him  how 
to  act.  Perhaps  no  one  ever  discharged  a  rifle  more 
rapidly  than  he  did.  And  a  brisk  and  well-directed  fire 
was  kept  up  for  some  length  of  time,  likewise,  by  the  rest 
of  the  besieged. 

It  was,  perhaps,  a  fortunate  thing  that  Joe  did  fire  with 
out  orders,  and  without  any  intention  of  doing  so  himself. 
It  seemed  that  the  savages  had  been  meditating  a  desperate 
rush  upon  the  fort,  notwithstanding  Boone's  prediction ;  for 
no  sooner  did  Joe  fire,  than  they  hastily  retreated  a  short 
distance,  scattering  in  every  direction,  and,  without  a  mo 
ment's  consultation,  again  appeared,  advancing  rapidly 
from  every  quarter.  It  was  evident  that  this  plan  had  been 
preconcerted  among  them  ;  and  had  all  fired,  instead  of  Joe 
only,  they  might  easily  have  scaled  the  palisade  before  the 
guns  could  have  been  reloaded.  Neither  had  the  besiegers 
been  aware  of  the  strength  of  the  garrison.  But  they 
were  soon  made  to  understand  that  they  had  more  than 
Glenn  and  his  man  to  contend  against.  The  discharges 
followed  in  such  quick  succession  that  they  paused,  when 
but  a  moment  more  would  have  placed  them  within  the  in- 
closure.  But  several  of  them  being  wounded,  and  Boone 
and  Glenn  still  doing  execution  with  their  pistols,  the  dis 
comfited  enemy  made  a  precipitate  retreat.  An  occasional 
{light  of  arrows  continued  to  assail  the  besieged,  but  they 
came  from  a  great  distance,  for  the  Indians  were  not  long 
in  scampering  beyond  the  range  of  the  loopholes. 

When  Glenn  could  no  longer  see  any  of  the  dark  forms 
of  the  enemy,  he  turned  round  to  contemplate  the  sad  con 
dition  of  Joe.  Joe  was  sitting  up,  with  his  hands  locked 
round  his  knees. 

"Well,  split  me  in  two!"  cried  Sneak,  staring  at  his 
companion. 

"What's  the  matter,  Sneak?"  asked  Joe,  with  much 
simplicity.  . 

**  That's  a  purty  question  for  you  to  ask,  after  laying 
there  for  dead  this  half-hour  almost  " 


A   NARRATIVE.  101 

"Have  the  Indians  been  here?"  asked  Joe,  staring 
round  wildly. 

"  Hain't  you  heard  us  shooting  ?" 

"  My  goodness,"  cried  Joe,  springing  up.  "  Oh  !  am  1 
wounded?  say !"  he  continued,  evincing  the  most  lively 
alarm. 

"  Well,  if  this  don't  beat  every  thing  that  ever  I  saw 
in  all  my  life,  I  wish  I  may  be  shot !"  said  Sneak. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  asked  Joe,  his  senses  yet  wandering. 

"Jest  feel  the  back  of  your  head,"  said  Sneak.  Joe 
put  his  hand  to  the  place  indicated,  and  winced  under  the 
pain  of  the  touch.  He  then  looked  at  his  hand,  and  be 
holding  a  quantity  of  clotted  blood  upon  it,  fell  down  sud 
denly  on  the  snow. 

"  What's  the  matter  now  ?"  asked  Glenn,  who  had  seec 
his  man  sitting  up,  and  came  swiftly  to  him  when  he  fell. 

"I'm  a  dead  man  !"  said  Joe,  mournfully. 

"  That's  a  lie  !"  said  Sneak. 

"What  ails  you,  Joe?"  asked  Glenn,  his  tone  much 
softened. 

"  I'm  dying — oh  !  I'm  shot  through  the  head  !" 

"  Don't  believe  him,  Mr.  Glenn — I'll  be  smashed  if  its 
any  thing  but  my  tooth,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Oh — I'm  dying  !"  continued  Joe,  pressing  his  hand 
against  his  head,  while  the  pain  and  loss  of  blood  actually 
produced  a  faintness,  and  his  voice  became  very  weak. 

"Are  you  really  much  hurt?"  continued  Glenn,  stoop 
ing  down,  and  feeling  his  pulse. 

"  It's  all  over  !"  muttered  Joe.  *,'  I'm  going  fast.  Sancte 
Petre  ! — Pater  noster,  qui  es  in  coelis,  sanctificeter  nomen 
tuum  ;  adveniat  regnum  tu " 

Here  Joe's  voice  failed,  and,  falling  into  a  syncope,  Glenn 
and  Sneak  lifted  him  up  and  carried  him  into  the  house. 

"Is  he  shot?"  exclaimed  Mary,  instantly  producing 
some  lint  and  bandages  which  she  had  prepared  in  antici 
pation  of  such  an  event. 

"  I  fear  he  has  received  a  serious  hurt,"  said  Glenn, 
aiding  Mary,  who  had  proceeded  at  once  to  bind  up  the 
wound. 

"I'll  be  split  if  he's  shot !"  said  Sneak,  going  out  and 
returning  to  his  post.  Glenn  did  likewise  when  he  saw  the 
first  indications  of  returning  consciousness  in  h»s  man  ;  and 


108  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

Mary  was  left  alone  to  restore  and  nurse  poor  Joe.  But 
he  could  not  have  been  in  better  hands. 

"  I  should  like  to  know  something  about  them  curious 
words  the  feller  was  speaking  when  he  keeled  over,"  said 
Sneak,  as  he  looked  out  at  the  now  quiet  scene  from  the 
loophole,  and  mused  over  the  events  of  the  night,  "  I 
begin  to  believe  that  the  feller's  a  going  to  die.  I  don't 
believe  any  man  could  talk  so,  if  he  wasn't  dying." 

"  Have  you  seen  any  of  them  lately  ?"  inquired  Boone, 
coming  to  Sneak's  post  and  running  his  eye  along  the 
horizon  through  the  loophole. 

"Not  a  one,"  replied  Sneak,  "except  that  feller  laying 
out  yander  by  the  snowball." 

"  He's  dead,"  said  Boone,  "and  he  is  the  only  one  that 
we  are  sure  of  having  killed  to-night.  But  many  are 
wounded." 

"  And  smash  me  if  Joe  didn't  kill  that  one  when  his 
rnusket  went  off  before  he  was  ready,"  said  Sneak. 

"Yes,  I  saw  him  fall  when  Joe  fired;  and  that  accident 
was,  after  all,  a  fortunate  thing  for  us,"  continued  Boone. 

"  But  I'm  sorry  for  poor  Joe,"  said  Sneak. 

"Pshaw!"  said  Boone;  "he'll  be  well  again  in  an 
hour." 

"  No,  he's  a  gone  chicken." 

"Why  do  you  think  so?" 

"Didn't  he  say  so  himself?  and  didn't  he  gabble  out  a 
whole  parcel  of  purgatory  talk  ?  He's  as  sure  gone  as  a 
stuck  pig,  I  tell  you,"  continued  Sneak. 

"  He  will  eat  as  hearty  a  breakfast  to-morrow  morning 
as  ever  he  did  in  his  li(e,"  said  Boone.  "But  let  us  attend 
to  the  business  in  hand.  I  hardly  think  we  will  be  an 
noyed  any  more  from  this  quarter,  unless  yonder  dead  In 
dian  was  a  chief,  and  then  it  is  more  than  probable  they  will 
try  to  steal  him  away.  However,  you  may  remain  here. 
I,  alone,  can  manage  the  others." 

"  Which  others  ?"  inquired  Sneak. 

"Those  under  the  snow,"  replied  Boone;  "they  are 
now  within  twenty  paces  of  the  palisade." 

"You  don't  say  so?"  said  Sneak,  cocking  his  gun. 

"  I  have  been  listening  to  them  cutting  through  the  snow 
a  long  while,  and  it  will  Jbe  a  half  hour  yet  befcre  I  spring 
the  mine,"  said  Boone. 


A    NARRATIVE.  109 

"  I  hope  it  will  kill  'em  all !"  said  Sneak. 

"  Watch  close,  and  perhaps  you  will  kill  one  yet  fron? 
this  loophole,"  said  Boone,  returning  to  his  post,  where 
the  slow-match  was  exposed  through  the  palisade  near  the 
ground ;  and  Roughgrove  stood  by,  holding  a  pistol,  charged 
with  powder  only,  in  readiness  to  fire  the  train  when  Boone 
should  give  the  word  of  command. 

Boone  applied  his  ear  to  a  crevice  between  the  timbers 
hear  the  earth,  where  the  snow  had  been  cleared  away. 
After  remaining  in  this  position  a  few  moments,  he  beck 
oned  Glenn  to  him. 

"  Place  your  ear  against  this  crevice,"  said  Boone. 

"  It  is  not  the  Indians  I  hear,  certainly !"  remarked  Glenn. 
The  sounds  resembled  the  ticking  of  a  large  clock,  differing 
only  in  their  greater  rapidity  than  the  strokes  of  seconds. 

"Most  certainly  it  is  nothing  else,"  replied  Boone. 

"  But  how  do  they  produce  such  singular  sounds  ?  Is  it 
the  trampling  of  feet  ?"  continued  Glenn. 

"  It  is  the  sound  of  many  tomahawks  cutting  a  passage," 
replied  Boone. 

"  But  what  disposition  do  they  make  of  the  snow,  when 
\t  is  cut  loose."  • 

"A  portion  of  them  dig,  while  the  rest  convey  the  loose 
snow  out  and  cast  it  down  the  cliff." 

While  the  above  conversation  was  going  on,  a  colloquy 
of  a  different  nature  transpired  within  the  house.  Joe,' 
after  recovering  from  his  second  temporary  insensibility, 
had  sunk  into  a  gentle  doze,  which  lasted  many  minutes. 
Mary  had  bathed  his  face  repeatedly  with  sundry  restora 
tives,  and  likewise  administered  a  cordial  that  she  had 
brought  from  her  father's  house,  which  seemed  to  have  a 
most  astonishing  somniferous  effect.  When  the  contents 
of  the  bottle  were  exhausted,  she  sat  silently  by,  watching 
Joe's  apparent  slumber,  and  felt  rejoiced  that  her  patient 
prdmised  a  speedy  recovery.  Once,  after  she  had  been 
gazing  at  the  fawn,  (that  had  been  suffered  to  occupy  a  place 
near  the  wall,  where  it  was  now  coiled  up  and  sleeping,)  on 
turning  her  eyes  towards  the  face  of  Joe,  she  imagined  for 
a  moment  that  she  saw  him  close  his  eyelids  quickly.  But 
calling  him  softly  and  receiving  no  answer,  she  concluded 
it  was  a  mere  fancy,  and  again  resigned  herself  to  hei 
lonely  watch.  When  she  had  oeeu  sitting  thus  some 

it; 


110  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

minutes,  watching  him  patiently,  she  observed  his  eyea 
open  slowly,  and  quickly  smack  to  again,  when  he  found 
that  she  was  looking  at  him.  But  a  moment  after,  con 
scious  that  his  wakefulness  was  discovered,  he  opened  them 
boldly,  and  found  himself  possessed  of  a  full  recollection 
of  all  the  incidents  of  the  night  up  to  his  disaster. 

"  Have  they  whipt  all  the  Indians  away  that  were  stand 
ing  out  on  the  snow,  Miss  Mary  ?" 

"  Yes,  long  ago — and  none  have  been  seen,  but  the  one 
you  killed,  for  some  time,"  she  replied,  encouragingly. 

"  Did  I  kill  one  sure  enough  ?"  asked  Joe,  while  his  eyea 
sparkled  exceedingly. 

"Yes,  indeed,"  replied  she;  "and  I  heard  Mr.  Boone 
say  he  was  glad  it  happened,  and  that  the  accident  was, 
after  all,  a  fortunate  thing  for  us." 

"  Accident !"  iterated  Joe ;  "who  says  it  was  an  acci 
dent  ?" 

"Wasn't  it  an  accident?"  asked  the  simple  girl. 

"No,  indeed!"  replied  Joe.  "But,"  he  continued, 
"  have  they  blown  up  the  other  Indians  yet  ?" 

"  Not  yet — but  I  heard  them  say  they  would  do  it  very 
soon.  They  can  be  heard  digging  under  the  snow  now, 
very  plainly,"  said  Mary. 

"Indeed !"  said  Joe,  with  no  little  terror  depicted  in  his 
face.  "  I  wish  you'd  go  and  ask  Mr.  Boone  if  he  thinks 
you'll  be  entirely  safe,  if  you  please,  Miss  Mary,"  said 
Joe  beseechingly. 

"  I  will,"  responded  Mary,  rising  to  depart. 

"And  if  they  ask  how  I  am,"  continued  Joe,  "please 
sny  I  am  a  great  deal  better,  but  too  weak  yet  to  go 
out." 

Mary  did  his  "bidding;  and  when  she  returned,  what  was 
her  astonishment  to  find  her  patient  running  briskly  across 
the  room  from  the  cupboard,  with  a  whole  roasted  prairie- 
hen  in  one  hand,  or  at  least  the  body  of  it,  while  he  tore 
aiyay  the  breast  with  his  teeth,  and  some  half  dozen  crackers 
in  the  other  !  In  vain  did  he  attempt  to  conceal  them  under 
the  covering  of  his  bed,  into  which  he  jumped  as  quickly 
as  possible.  Guilt  was  manifest  in  his  averted  look,  his 
trembling  hand,  and  his  greasy  mouth !  Mary  gazed  in 
lilont  wonder.  Joe  cowered  under  her  glance  a  few  iflo- 


A    NARRATIVE.  Ill 

ments,  until  the  irresistible  flavour  of  the  fowl  overcame 
him,  and  then  his  jaws  were  again  set  in  motion. 

"  I  fear  that  eating  will  injure  you,"  remarked  Mary,  at 
length. 

"Never  fear,"  replied  Joe.  "When  a  sick  person  has  a 
good  appetite,  it's  a  sure  sign  he's  getting  better." 

"  If  you  think  so  you  can  eat  as  much  as  you  please," 
said  Mary;  "and  you  needn't  hide  any  thing  from  me." 

Joe  felt  a  degree  of  shame  in  being  so  palpably  detectel, 
but  his  appetite  soon  got  the  better  of  his  scruples,  and  he 
gratified  the  demands  of  his  stomach  without  reserve. 

"But  what  did  Mr.  Boone  say?"  asked  he,  peeping  out. 

"  He  says  he  thinks  there  is  no  danger.  But  the  Indians 
are  now  within  a  few  feet  of  the  palisade,  and  the  explosion 
is  about  to  take  place." 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Sneak  skilla  a  sow  that  "was  not  all  a  swine" — The  breathless  suspense 
— The  match  in  readiness — Joe's  cool  demeanour — The  match  ignited 
— Explosion  of  the  mine — Defeat  of  the  savages — The  captive — His 
liberation — The  repose — The  kitten — Morning. 

"  DON'T  you  think  I  know  who  you  are,  and  what  you're 
after  ?"  said  Sneak,  as  he  observed  a  large  black  sow,  or 
what  seemed  to  be  one,  rambling  about  on  the  snow  within 
a  hundred  paces  of  him.  "  If  that  ain't  my  sow !  She's 
gone,  that's  dead  sure ;  and  if  I  don't  pepper  the  red  rascal 
that  killed  her  I  wish  I  may  be  split.  That  Indian  '11  find 
I'm  not  such  a  fool  as  he  took  me  for.  Just  wait  till  he 
gits  close  enough.  I  ain't  to  be  deceived  by  my  own  sow's 
dead  skin,  with  a  great  big  Osage  in  it,  nohow  you  can  fix 
•t."  Sneak's  conjecture  was  right.  The  Indian  that  Joe 
had  killed  was  a  chief,  and  the  apparent  sow  was  nothing 
Tnore  than  a  savage  enveloped  in  a  swine's  skin.  The  In 
dian,  after  reconnoitering  the  premises  with  some  delibera 
tion,  evidently  believed  that  his  stratagem  was  successful, 


U2  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

and  at  length  moved  in  the  direction  of  ais  dead  comrade, 
with  the  manifest  intention  of  bearing  the  body  away. 

"I'll  let  you  have  it  now!"  said  Sneak,  firing  his  rifle, 
when  the  seeming  sow  began  to  drag  the  fallen  chief  from 
the  field.  The  discharge  took  effect;  the  savage  sprang 
upright  and  endeavoured  to  retreat  in  the  manner  that 
nature  designed  him  to  run;  but  he  did  not  go  more  than 
a  dozen  paces  before  he  sank  down  and  expired. 

"  That's  tit  for  tat,  for  killing  my  sow,"  said  Sneak,  gaz 
ing  at  his  postrate  foe. 

"  Come  here,  Sneak,"  said  Boone,  from  the  opposite  side 
of  the  in  closure. 

"  There  was  but  one,  and  I  fixed  him,"  said  Sneak, 
when  they  asked  him  how  many  of  the  enemy  were  in  view 
when  he  fired. 

"  They  heard  the  gun,"  said  Glenn,  applying  his  ear  to 
the  chink,  and  remarking  that  the  Indians  had  suddenly 
ceased  to  work  under  the  snow. 

"Be  quiet,"  said  Boone;  "they  will  begin  again  in  a 
minute  or  two." 

"  They're  at  it  a'ready,"  said  Sneak,  a  moment  after, 
and  very  soon  they  were  heard  again,  more  distinctly  than 
ever,  cutting  away  with  increased  rapidity. 

"  Suppose  the  match  does  not  burn  ?"  observed  Glenn, 
in  tones  betraying  a  fearful  apprehension. 

"In  such  an  event,"  said  Boone,  "we  must  retreat  into 
the  house,  and  fasten  the  door  without  a  moment's  delay. 
But  I  do  not  much  fear  any  such  failure,  for  the  dampness 
of  the  snow  cannot  so  soon  have  penetrated  through  the 
dry  reeds  to  the  powder.  Still  we  should  be  prepared — 
therefore,  as  there  is  no  necessity  that  more  than  one  of  us 
should  be  here  now,  and  as  I  am  that  man,  withdraw,  all 
of  you,  within  the  house,  and  remain  there  until  your  ears 
and  eyes  shall  dictate  what  course  to  pursue."  Boone's 
command  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  when  they  reached 
the  house  and  looked  back,  (the  door  was  kept  open,)  they 
beheld  the  renowned  pioneer  standing  erect,  holding  a  pistol 
in  his  right  hand  (which  he  pointed  at  the  cotton  that  con 
nected  with  a  train  of  powder  running  along  a  short  plank 
to  the  reed  that  reached  the  buried  keg,)  while  the  moon, 
now  midway  in  the  heavens,  "and  beautifully  bright,"  re 
vealed  the  stern  and  determined  expression  of  his  p*>i 


A    NARRATIVE.  113 

brow  and  fixed  lip.  Thus  he  stood  many  minutes,  and 
they  seemed  hours  to  those  who  gazed  upon  the  breathless 
scene  from  the  house.  Not  a  sound  was  heard,  save  the 
rapid  ticking  of  tomahawks  under  the  snow  outside  of  the 
inclosure,  or  the  occasional  hasty  remark  of  those  who  were 
looking  on  in  painful  and  thrilling  suspense.  Once  Boone 
bowed  his  head  and  listened  an  instant  to  the  operations 
of  the  savages,  and  when  he  rose  erect  again,  the  party 
looking  on  confidently  expected  he  would  fire  the  train. 
But  the  fatal  moment  had  not  yet  arrived.  Still  he  pointed 
the  pistol  at  the  combustible  matter,  and  his  eye  glanced 
along  the  barrel ;  but  he  maintained  a  statue-like  stillness, 
as  if  awaiting  some  preconcerted  signal. 

"Why  don't  he  fire?"  inquired  Glenn,  in  a  whisper. 

"It  is  not  quite  time  yet,"  responded  Roughgrove. 

"  Dod !  they'll  crawl  up  presently,  and  jump  over  the 
fence,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  goodness  !  I  wish  he'd  shoot !"  said  Joe,  in  low, 
sepulchral  tones,  his  head  thrust  between  Sneak's  legs, 
whither  he  had  crawled  unobserved,  and  was  now  peering 
out  at  the  scene. 

"Who  are  you?"  exclaimed  Sneak,  leaping  away  from 
Joe's  bandaged  head,  which  he  did  not  recognize  at  the 
first  glance. 

"It's  nobody  but  me,"  said  Joe,  turning  his  face  upward, 
that  his  friend  might  not  suppose  him  an  enemy. 

"  Well,  what  are  you  doing  here  ?  I  thought  you  was  a 
dying." 

**  I'm  a  good  deal  better,  but  I'm  too  weak  to  do  any 
thing  yet,"  said  Joe,  in  piteous  tones,  as  he  looked  fearfully 
at  Boone,  and  listened  to  the  strokes  of  the  Indians  without, 
which  became  louder  and  louder. 

"  Stand  back  a  little,"  said  Boone  to  those  in  the  door 
way,  "  that  I  may  enter  when  I  fire — the  match  may  burn 
more  briskly  than  I  anticipated." 

A  passage  was  opened  for  him  to  enter.  He  pulled  the 
trigger — the  pistol  missed  fire — he  deliberately  poured  in 
fresh  priming  from  his  horn,  and  once  more  taking  aim,  the 
pistol  was  discharged,  and,  running  to  the  house,  and  en- 
teiing  a  little  beyond  the  threshold,  he  paused,  and  turned 
to  behold  the  realization  of  his  hopes.  The  light  combus 
tible  n»atter  flashed  up  brightly,  and  the  blaze  ran  along 

10* 


114  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

the  grotiud  a  moment  in  the  direction  of  the  end  of  the 
reed'  but  at  the  instant  when  all  expected  to  see  the  pow 
der  ignited,  the  flames  seemed  to  die  away,  and  the  dark 
ness  which  succeeded  impressed  them  with  the  fear  that 
the  damp  snow  had,  indeed,  defeated  their  purpose. 

"  Split  me  if  it  shan't  go  off !"  cried  Sneak,  running  out 
with  a  torch  in  his  hand,  that  he  snatched  from  the  fire 
place.  When  he  reached  the  trench  that  had  been  dug 
along  the  palisade,  and  in  which  the  slow  match  was  placed, 
he  looked  down  but  once,  and  dashing  his  fire-brand  be 
hind  him,  sprang  back  to  the  house,  with  all  the  celerity  of 
which  he  was  capable.  "Dod!"  said  he,  "it's  burning  yet, 
but  we  couldn't  see  it  from  here.  It'll  set  the  powder  off 
in  less  than  no  time!" 

"I  trust  it  will!"  said  Boone,  with  much  anxiety.  And 
truly  the  crisis  had  arrived,  beyond  which,  if  it  were  de 
layed  a  single  minute,  it  would  be  too  late  !  The  voices  of 
the  Indians  could  now  be  heard,  and  the  sounds  of  the 
tomahawks  had  ceased.  They  were  evidently  on  the  eve 
of  breaking  through  the  icy  barrier,  and  rushing  upon  their 
victims.  Boone,  with  a  composed  but  livid  brow,  placed 
his  hand  upon  the  ponderous  door,  for  the  purpose  of  re 
treating  within,  and  barring  out  the  ruthless  assailants. 
The  rest  instinctively  imitated  his  motions,  but  at  the  same 
time  their  eyes  were  yet  riveted  on  the  dimly  burning  match. 
A  small  flash  was  observed  to  illumine  the  trench — another 
and  a  larger  one  succeeded !  The  first  train  of  powder  was 
ignited — the  Indians  were  bursting  through  the  snow-crust 
with  direful  yells — the  blaze  ran  quickly  along  the  plank — 
it  reached  the  end  of  the  reed — a  shrill  whizzing  sound 
succeeded — a  sharp  crash  under  the  snow — and  then  al) 
was  involved  in  a  tremendous  chaotic  explosion  !  An  enor 
mous  circular  cloud  of  smoke  enveloped  the  scene  for  a 
moment,  and  then  could  be  seen  tomahawks,  bows,  and 
arrows,  and  even  savages,  sailing  through  the  air.  The 
moon  was  darkened  for  the  space  of  several  minutes,  dur 
ing  which  time  immense  quantities  of  snow  poured  down 
from  above."  The  startling  report  seemed  to  rend  both  the 
earth  and  the  heavens,  and  rumbled  far  up  and  down  the 
valley  of  the  Missouri,  like  the  deep  bellowing  of  a  corua- 
cant  thunder-cloud,  and  died  away  in  successive  vibration* 


A    NARRATIVE.  115 

antil  it  finally  resembled  the  partially  suppressed  growling 
jf  an  angry  lion. 

When  the  inmates  of  the  house  sallied  forth,  the  scene 
was  again  quiet.  After  clearing  away  the  enormous  masses 
of  snow  from  the  palisade,  they  looked  out  from  the  iu- 
closure  through  the  loophole  on  the  east,  and  all  was  still 
ness  and  silence.  But  the  view  was  changed.  Instead 
of  the  level  and  smooth  surface,  they  now  beheld  a  concave 
formation  of  snow,  beginning  at  the  earth,  which  was  laid 
bare  where  the  powder  had  been  deposited,  and  widening, 
upward  and  outward,  till  the  ring  of  the  extreme  angle 
reached  a  height  of  fifteen  or  twenty  feet,  and  measured  a 
circumference  of  fifty  paces.  But  they  did  not  discover  a 
single  dead  body.  On  the  contrary,  they  soon  distinguished 
the  sounds  of  the  savages  afar  off,  in  fiendish  and  fearful 
yells,  as  they  retreated  in  great  precipitation. 

"Dod!  none  of  'em's  killed!"  exclaimed  Sneak,  looking 
about  in  disappointment. 

"  Hang  it  all,  how  could  they  expect  to  kill  any,  without 
putting  in  some  lead?"  replied  Joe,  standing  at  his  elbow, 
and  evincing  no  symptoms  of  illness. 

"  What're  you  a  doing  out  here  ?  You'd  better  go  in  and 
finish  dying,"  said  Sneak. 

"  No,  I  thank  you,"  said  Joe  ;  "  my  time's  not  come  yet ; 
and  when  it  does  come,  I'll  know  what  to  do  without  your 
instructions.  I'm  well  now — I  never  felt  better  in  my  life, 
only  when  I  was  eating." 

"  Go  to  the  horses,  Joe,  and  see  if  they  have  suffered 
any  injury,"  said  Glenn.  "  I  don't  believe  a  single  Indian 
was  killed  by  the  explosion,"  he  continued,  addressing 
Boone. 

"The  snow  may  have  preserved  them,"  replied  Boone; 
"and "yet,"  he  continued,  "I  am  sure  I  saw  some  of  them 
flying  up  in  the  air." 

"I  saw  them  too,"  said  Glenn,  "but  I  have  known  in 
stances  of  the  kind,  when  powder-mills  have  blown  up, 
where  men  were  thrown  a  considerable  distance  without 
being  much  injured." 

"  It  answered  our  purpose,  at  all  events,"  said  Boone , 
"for  new,  no  inducement  whatever  can  ever  bring  them 
back  " 


116  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

"If  I  were  sure  of  that,"  replied  Glenn,  "I  would  not 
regret  the  bloodless  result  of  the  explosion." 

"You  may  rely  upon  it  implicitly,"  said  Boone ;  "for 
it  was  a  surprise  they  can  never  understand,  and  they 
will  attach  to  it  some  superstitious  interpretation,  which 
will  most  effectually  prevent  them  from  meditating  another 
attack." 

"  Goodness  gracious  alive !"  exclaimed  Joe,  rimbly 
springing  past  Boone  and  Glenn,  and  rushing  into  the 
house. 

"What  can  be  the  matter  with  the  fellow,  now?"  ex 
claimed  Glenn. 

"  He  was  alarmed  at  something  in  the  stable — see  what 
it  is,  Sneak,"  said  Boone. 

"I've  got  you,  have  I?  Dod !  come  out  here!"  ex 
claimed  Sneak,  when  he  had'  been  in  the  stable  a  few 
moments. 

"  Who  are  you  talking  to  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"A  venimirous  Osage  smutty-face!"  said  Sneak,  step 
ping  out  of  the  stable  door  backwards,  and  dragging  an 
Indian  after  him  by  the  ears. 

"What  is  that?"  demanded  Glenn,  staring  at  the  sin 
gular  object  before  him.  The  question  was  by  no  means 
an  unnatural  one,  for  no  being  in  the  human  shape  ever 
seemed  less  like  a  man.  The  unresisting  and  bewildered 
savage  looked  wildly  round,  displaying  a  face  as  black  as  if 
he  had  just  risen  from  the  bottom  of  some  infernal  lake.  His 
tattered  buckskin  garments  had  shared  the  same  fate  in  the 
explosion ;  his  eyebrows,  and  the  hair  of  his  head  were 
singed  and  crisped ;  and,  altogether  he  might  easily  have 
passed  for  one  of  Pluto's  scullions.  He  did  not  make  re 
sistance  when  Sneak  led  him  forth,  seeming  to  anticipate 
nothing  else  than  an  instantaneous  and  cruel  death,  and 
was  apparently  resigned  to  his  fate.  He  doubtless  ima 
gined  that  escape  and  longer  life  were  utterly  impossible, 
inasmuch  as,  to  his  comprehension,  he  was  in  the  grasp  of 
evil  spirits.  If  he  had  asked  himself  how  he  came  thither, 
it  could  not  have  occurred  to  him  that  any  othjr  means 
than  the  agency  of  a  supernatural  power  threw  him  into 
the  hands  of  the  foe. 

"  I  thought  I  saw  one  of  them  plunging  through  the  au 
over  the  inclosure,"  said  Boone,  smiling. 


A    NARRATIVE.  11? 

"  Hanged  if  I  didn't  think  so  too,"  said  joe,  who  had  at 
length  returnei  to  gaze  at  the  captive,  when  he  ascertained 
that  he  was  entirely  meek  and  inoffensive. 

"  Have  you  got  over  your  fright  already  ?"  asked  Sneak. 

"  What  fright  ?"   demanded  Joe,  with  affected  surprise, 

"  Now,  can  you  say  you  weren't  skeered  ?" 

"  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  I  believe  you  really  thought  I  was  fright- 
oned.  Why,  you  dunce,  you  !  I  only  ran  in  to  to  tell  Miss 
Mary  about  it." 

"  Now  go  to  bed.  Don't  speak  to  me  agin  to  night," 
said  Sneak,  indignantly. 

"I'll  go  and  get  something  to  eat,"  said  Joe,  retreating 
into  the  house. 

"  Tell  Roughgrove  to  come  here,"  said  Boone,  speaking 
to  Joe. 

"  I  will,"  said  Joe,  vanishing  through  the  door. 

When  the  old  ferryman  came  out,  Boone  requested  him 
(he  being  the  most  familiar  with  the  Osage  language,)  to 
ask  the  savage  by  what  means  he  was  enabled  to  get  in 
side  of  the  inclosure.  Roughgrove  did  his  bidding ;  and 
the  Indian  replied  that  the  Great  Spirit  threw  him  over  the 
palisade,  because  he  once  killed  a  friend  of  Boone's  at  the 
cave-spring,  and  was  now  attempting  to  kill  another. 

"  Why  did  you  wish  to  kill  us  ?"  asked  Roughgrove. 

The  Indian  said  it  was  because  they  thought  Glenn  had 
a  great  deal  of  money,  many  fire  weapons,  and  powder  and 
bullets,  which  they  (the  savages)  wanted. 

"  Was  it  right  to  rob  the  white  man  of  these  things,  and 
then  to  murder  him  ?"  continued  Roughgrove. 

The  savage  replied  that  the  prophet  (Raven)  had  told  the 
war-party  it  was  right.  Besides,  they  came  a  long  and 
painful  journey  to  get  (Glenn's)  goods,  and  had  suffered 
much  with  cold  in  digging  under  the  snow ;  several  of  their 
party  had  been  killed  and  wounded,  and  he  thought  they 
had  a  good  right  to  every  thing-  they  could  get. 

"  Did  the  whites  ever  go  to  your  village  to  rob  and  mur 
der?"  inquired  the  old  ferryman. 

The  Indian  assumed  a  proud  look,  and  replied  that  they 
had.  He  said  that  the  buffalo,  the  bear,  the  deer,  and  the 
beaver — the  eternal  prairies  and  forests — the  rivers,  the 
air  and  the  sky,  all  belonged  to  the  red  men.  That  the 
whites  had  not  been  invited  to  -corne  among  them,  but  they 


118  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

had  intruded  upon  their  lands,  stolen  their  game,  and  killed 
their  warriors.  Yet,  he  said,  the  Indians  did  not  hate  Boone, 
and  would  not  have  attacked  the  premises  that  night,  if 
they  had  known  he  was  there. 

"  Why  do  they  not  hate  Boone  ?  He  has  killed  more  of 
them  than  any  one  else  in  this  region,"  continued  Rough- 
grove, 

The  Indian  said  that  Boone  was  a  great  prophet,  and 
was  loved  by  the  Great  Spirit. 

"  Will  the  war-party  return  hither  to-night  ?"  asked 
Roughgrove. 

The  Indian  answered  in  the  negative ;  and  added  that 
they  would  never  attack  that  place  again,  because  the 
Great  Spirit  had  fought  against  them. 

Boone  requested  Roughgrove  to  ask  what  would  be  done 
with  the  false  prophet  who  had  advised  them  to  make  the 
attack. 

The  savage  frowned  fiercely,  and  replied  that  he  would 
be  tied  to  a  tree,  and  shot  through  the  heart  a  hundred 
times. 

"What  do  you  think  we  intend  to  do  to  you?"  asked 
Roughgrove. 

The  savage  said  he  would  be  skinned  alive  and  put  under 
the  ice  in  the  river,  or  burned  to  death  by  a  slow  fire.  Ho 
said  he  was  ready  to  die. 

"  I'll  be  shot  if  he  isn't  a  spunky  felloe  !"  said  Sneak. 

"Do  you  desire  such  a  fate  ?"  continued  the  old  ferry 
man. 

"  The  Indian  looked  at  him  with  surprise,  and  answered 
without  hesitation  that  he  did — and  then  insisted  upon 
being  killed  immediately. 

"  Would  you  attempt  to  injure  the  white  man  again  if 
we  were  not  to  kill  you  ?" 

The  Indian  smiled,  but  made  no  answer. 

"I  am  in  earnest,"  continued  Roughgrove,  "and  wish 
to  know  what  you  would  do  if  we  spared  your  life." 

The  Indian  said  such  talk  was  only  trifling,  and  again 
insisted  upon  being  dispatched. 

After  a  short  consultation  with  Boone  and  Glenn,  Rough- 
grove  repeated  his  question. 

The  savage  replied  that  he  did  not  believe  it  possible 
for  him  to  escape  immediate  death — but  if  he  wpre  not 


A   NARRATIVE.  119 

Killed,  he  could  never  think  of  hurting  any  of  those,  who 
saved  him,  afterwards.  Yet  he  stated  very  frankly  that  he 
would  kill  and  rob  any  other  pale-faces  he  might  meet  with. 

"  Let  me  blow  his  brains  out,"  said  Sneak,  throwing  his 
gun  up  to  his  shoulder.  The  Indian  understood  the  move 
ment,  if  not  the  words,  and  turning  towards  him,  presented 
a  full  front,  without  quailing. 

"  He  speaks  the  truth,"  said  Boone  ;  "  he  would  never 
injure  any  of  us  himself,  nor  permit  any  of  his  tribe  to  do 
it,  so  far  as  his  influence  extended.  Yet  he  will  die  rather 
than  make  a  promise  not  to  molest  others.  His  word  may 
be  strictly  relied  upon.  It  is  not  fear  that  extorts  the  pro 
mise  never  to  war  against  us — it  would  be  his  gratitude  for 
sparing  his  life.  Take  down  your  gun,  Sneak.  Let  us 
decide  upon  his  fate.  I  am  in  favour  of  liberating  him." 

"And  I,"  said  Glenn. 

"And  I,"  said  Roughgrove. 

"  I  vote  for  killing  him,"  said  Sneak. 

"Hanged  if  I  don't,  too,"  said  Joe,  who  had  been  lis 
tening  from  the  door. 

"  Spare  him,"  said  Mary,  who  came  out,  and  saw  what 
was  passing. 

"We  have  the  majority,  Mary,"  said  Glenn  ;  "  and  when 
innocence  pleads,  the  generous  hand  is  stayed." 

Roughgrove  motioned  the  savage  to  follow,  and  he  led 
him  to  the  gate.  The  prisoner  did  not  understand  what 
was  to  be  done.  He  evidently  supposed  that  his  captors 
were  about  to  slay  him,  and  he  looked  up,  as  he  thought, 
the  last  time,  at  the  moon  and  the  stars,  and  his  lips  moved 
in  deep  and  silent  adoration. 

Roughgrove  opened  the  gate,  and  the  savage  followed 
him  out,  composedly  awaiting  his  fate.  But  seeing  no  in 
dication  of  violence,  and  calling  to  mind  the  many  wild  joya 
of  his  roving  youth,  and  the  horrors  of  a  sudden  death,  he 
spoke  not,  yet  his  brilliant  eyes  were  dimmed  for  a  moment 
with  tears.  His  deep  gaze  seemed  to  implore  mercy  at  the 
hands  of  his  captors.  He  would  not  utter  a  petition  that 
his  life  might  be  spared,  yet  his  breast  heaved  to  rove  free 
again  over  the  flowery  prairies,  to  bathe  in  the  clear  waters 
of  running  streams,  to  inhale  the  balmy  air  of  midsummer 
morning,  to  chase  the  panting  deer  upon  the  dizzy  peak, 


120  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

and  to  hail  once  more  the  bright  smiles  of  his  timid  bride 
in  the  forest-shadowed  glen. 

"Go!  thou  art  free!"  said  Roughgrove. 

The  Indian  stared  in  doubt,  and  looked  reproachfully  at 
the  guns  in  the  hands  of  his  captors,  as  if  he  thought  they 
were  only  mocking  him  with  hopes  of  freedom,  when  it 
was  their  intention  to  shoot  him  down  the  moment  he  should 
think  his  life  was  truly  spared. 

"  Go  !  we  will  not  harm  thee  !"  repeated  Roughgrove. 

"And  take  this,"  said  Mary,  placing  some  food  in  his 
yielding  hand. 

The  Indian  gazed  upon  the  maiden's  face.  His  features, 
by  a  magical  transition,  now  beamed  with  confidence  and 
hope.  Mary  was  in  tears — not  tears  of  pity  for  his  im 
pending  death,  but  a  gush  of  generous  emotion  that  his 
life  was  spared.  The  savage  read  her  heart — he  knew  that 
the  white  woman  never  intercedes  in  vain,  and  that  no  vic 
tim  fulls  when  sanctified  by  her  tears.  He  clasped  her  hand 
and  pressed  it  to  his  lips  ;  and  then  turning  away  in  silence, 
set  off  in  a  stately  and  deliberate  pace  towards  the  west.  He 
looked  not  back  to  see  if  a  treacherous  gun  was  pointed  at 
him.  He  knew  that  the  maiden  had  not  trifled  with  him. 
He  knew  that  she  would  not  mock  a  dying  man  with  bread. 
He  neither  looked  back  nor  quickened  his  step.  And  so 
he  vanished  from  view  in  the  valley. 

"  Dod !  he's  gone !  We  ought  to've  had  his  sculp  !" 
said  Sneak,  betraying  serious"  mortification. 

"  We  must  give  it  up,  though — we  were  in  the  minority," 
said  Joe,  satisfied  with  the  decision. 

"  In  the  what?"  asked  Sneak. 

"In  the  minority,"  said  Joe. 

"  Let's  go  in  the  house  and  git  something  to  eat,"  said 
Sneak. 

"  Hang  me  if  I  ain't  willing  to  be  with  you  there,"  said 
Joe. 

The  whole  party  entered  the  house  to  partake  of  a  collation 
prepared  by  the  dainty  hands  of  Mary.  Mary  had  frequently 
insisted  upon  serving  them  with  refreshments  during  the 
night,  but  hitherto  all  her  persuasions  had  been  unavailing, 
for  the  dangers  that  beset  them  on  every  hand  had  banished 
all  other  thoughts  than  those  of  determined  defensive 
operations. 


lie  il.t»p  -u  liw  ,I,H:. i,  and  jjifsseil  it  to  his  lips.— I'. 


A    NARRATIVE.  12] 

Boone  w;'s  so  certain  that  nothing  farther  was  to  be 
apprehended  from  the  enemy,  that  he  dispensed  with  the 
sentinels  at  the  loopholes.  He  relied  upon  Ringwood  and 
Jowier  to  guard  them  through  the  remainder  of  the  night ; 
and  when  a  hearty  meal  was  eaten  he  directed  his  gallant 
little  band  to  enjoy  their  wonted  repose. 

Ere  long  Mary  slumbered  quietly  beside  her  father, 
while  Boone  and  Glenn  occupied  the  remaining  couch. 
Sneak  was  seated  on  a  low  stool,  near  the  blazing  fire,  and 
J  ie  sat  in  Glenn's  large  arm  chair,  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  hearth.  The  fawn  and  the  kitten  were  coiled  close 
together  in  the  centre  of  the  room. 

Save  the  grinding  jaws  of  Sneak  and  Joe,  a  death-like 
silence  reigned.  Occasionally,  when  Sneak  lifted  his  eyes 
from  the  pewter  platter  that  lay  upon  his  knees,  and  glanced 
at  the  bandages  on  his  companion's  head,  his  jaws  would 
cease  to  move  for  a  few  moments,  during  which  he  gazed 
in  astonishment  at  the  ravenous  propensity  of  the  invalid. 
But  not  being  inclined  to  converse  or  remonstrate,  he  en 
deavoured  to  get  through  with  his  supper  with  as  much 
expedition  as  possible,  that  he  might  enjoy  all  the  comforts 
of  refreshing  sleep.  Yet  he  was  often  on  the  eve  of  pick 
ing  a  quarrel  with  Joe,  when  he  suffered  a  sudden  twinge 
from  his  broken  tooth,  while  striving  to  tear  the  firmer 
portion  of  the  venison  from  the  bone.  But  when  he  re 
flected  upon  his  peculiar  participation  in  the  occurrence 
which  had  caused  him  so  justly  to  suffer,  he  repressed  his 
rising  anger  and  proceeded  with  his  labour  of  eating. 

Joe,  on  the  other  hand,  discussed  his  savoury  dish  with  un 
alloyed  satisfaction  ;  yet  he,  too,  paused  occasionally,  and 
fixing  his  eyes  upon  the  glaring  fire,  seemed  plunged 
in  the  deepest  thought.  But  he  did  not  glance  at  his  com 
panion.  At  these  brief  intervals  he  was  apparently  reflect 
ing  upon  the  incidents  of  the  night.  One  thing  in  parti 
cular  puzzled  him  ;  he  could  not,  for  the  life  of  him,  con 
ceive  how  his  musket  rebounded  with  such  violence,  when 
he  was  positively  certain  that  he  had  put  but  one  charge  in 
it,  and  that  only  a  modera'e  one.  He  was  sometimes  in 
clined  to  think  the  blow  he  received  on  the  head  was  dealt 
by  Sneak  ;  but  when  he  reflected  it^would  be  unnatural  foi 
one  man  to  strike  another  with  his  teeth,  and  that  Sneak  had 

M 


122  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

likewise  sustained  a  serious  injury  at  the  same  time,  bus 
conjectures  were  entirely  at  fault. 

"  What  are  you  a  thinking  about  so  hard  ?"  asked 
Sneak. 

*'  I'm  trying  to  think  how  I  got  that  blow  on  the  back  of 
rny  head,"  said  Joe,  turning  half  abstractedly  to  Sneak. 

"  Yes,  and  I'd  like  to  know  how  you  come  to  mash  my 
mouth  so  dod-rottedly,"  said  Sneak,  in  well-affected  ill 
njiture. 

"  Hang  it,  Sneak,  you  know  well  enough  that  I  wouldn't 
do  such  a  thing  on  purpose,  when  I  was  obliged  to  almost 
knock  out  my  own  brains  to  do  it,"  said  Joe,  apologeti 
cally. 

"  If  I  hadn't  thought  of  that,"  replied  Sneak,  •'  I  don't 
know  but  I  should  've  shot  you  through  when  I  got  up." 

"And  I  should  never  have  blamed  you  for  it,"  said  Joe, 
"  if  it  had  been  done  on  purpose.  Does  it  hurt  you  much 
now?" 

"Don't  you  see  how  its  bleeding?" 

"  That's  gravy  running  out  of  your  mouth,  ain't  it  ?" 

"Yes,  but  its  bloody  a  little,"  said  Sneak,  licking  his 
b'ps. 

"  I  shall  have  to  sit  up  and  sleep,"  said  Joe  ;  "  for  my 
head's  so  sore  I  can't  lie  down." 

"  I'm  a  going  to  lay  my  head  on  this  stool  and  sleep ; 
and  I'm  getting  so  drowsy  I  can't  set  much  longer,"  said 
Sneak. 

"  And  all  '11  be  square  between  us,  about  breaking  your 
tooth,  won't  it?" 

"Yea,  I  can't  bear  malice,"  said  Sneak,  shaking  Joe's 
extended  hand. 

"  Oh  me  I"  said  Joe,  "  I  shan't  be  able  to  doze  a  bit, 
hardly,  for  trying  to  study  out  how  the  old  musket  came 
to  kick  me  BO." 

u  I've  got  a  notion  to  tell  you,  jest  to  see  if  you'll  sleep 
any  better,  then." 

"Do  you  know?"  asked  Joe,  quickly  ;  "if  you  do,  I'll 
thank  you  with  all  my  heart  to  tell  me  ?" 

"Dod!  if  I  don't!"  said  Sneak;  "but  all's  square  be 
twixt  us  9" 

"Yes,  if  you  re  willing." 

"Well,  don't  you  remember  when  I  told  you  to  count 


A    NARRATIVE. 

the  Indians  standing  out  there,  I  leant  agin  you  to  look  over 
your  shoulder  ?  I  stole  a  cartrich  out  of  your  shot-bag  then, 
and  slipt  it  in  the  muzzle  of  your  musket.  Don't  you  know 
it  was  leaning  agin  the  post  ?" 

Joe  turned  round  and  looked  Sneak  full  in  the  face  for 
several  moments,  without  uttering  a  word. 

"When  it  went  off,"  continued  Sneak,  ";t  made  the 
tremendousest  crack  I  ever  heard  in  all  my  life,  except 
when  the  keg  of  powder  busted." 

"You  confounded,  blasted  rascal  you !"  exclaimed  Joe, 
doubling  up  his  fists,  and  preparing  to  assault  his  friend. 

"Now  don't  go  to  waking  up  the  folks !"  said  Sneak. 

"  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  hain't  got  a  great  notion  to  wear  out 
the  iron  poker  over  your  head  !"  continued  Joe,  his  eyes 
gleaming  with  rage 

"  Look  at  my  tooth,"  said  Sneak,  grinning  in  such  man* 
ner  that  the  remaining  fragment  of  the  member  named 
could  be  distinctly  seen.  The  ludicrous  expression  of  hia 
features  was  such  as  constrained  Joe  to  smile,  and  hia 
enmity  vanished  instantaneously. 

"  I  believe  you  got  the  worst  of  the  bargain,  after  all," 
said  Joe,  falling  back  in  his  chair  and  laughing  quite 
heartily. 

"You  know,"  continued  Sneak,  "I  didn't  mean  it  to 
turn  out  as  bad  as  it  did.  I  jest  thought  it  would  kick  you 
over  in  the  snow,  and  not  hurt  you  any,  hardly." 

"Well,  let's  say  no  more  about  it,"  said  Joe;  "but  when 
you  do  any  thing  of  that  kind  hereafter,  pause  and  reflect 
on  the  consequences,  and  forbear." 

"I'll  keep  my  mouth  out  of  the  way  next  time,"  said 
Sneak;  "and  now,  as  all's  square  betwixt  us,  s'pose  v/e 
agree  about  how  we  are  to  do  with  them  dead  Indians. 
S'pose  we  go  halves  with  all  the  things  they've  got?" 

"No,  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  do  !"  said  Joe  quickly.  "  The 
one  I  shot  was  a  chief,  and  he's  sure  to  have  some  gold 
about  him." 

"  Yes,  but  you  know  you'd  never  a  killed  him  if  it  hadn't 
been  for  me." 

"  But  if  it  hadn't  been  for  you  I  wouldn't  have  got  hurt," 
replied  Joe,  reproachfully. 

"Well,  I  don't  care  much  about  the  chief — the  one  I 
killed  maybe  took  all  his  silver  and  gold  before  I  shot  him> 


124  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

Anyi  >w,  I  know  I  can  find  something  out  there  in  the 
snow  where  they  were  blowed  up,"  said  Sneak,  arranging 
a  buffalo  robe  on  the  hearth  and  lying  down. 

"And  we  must  hereafter  let  each  other  alone,  Sneak," 
Baid  Joe,  "  for  the  fact  is,  we  are  both  too  much  for  one 
another  in  our  tricks." 

"  I'm  willing,"  replied  Sneak,  lazily,  as  his  eyes  gradu 
ally  closed. 

Joe  placed  his  dish  on  the  shelf  over  the  fireplace,  and 
folding  his  arms,  and  leaning  back  in  his  great  chair,  like 
wise  closed  his  eyes. 

But  a  few  moments  sufficed  to  place  them  both  in  the 
land  of  dreams.  And  now  the  silence  was  intense.  Even 
the  consuming  logs  of  wood  seemed  to  sink  by  degrees  into 
huge  livid  coals,  without  emitting  the  least  sparkling  sound. 
The  embers  threw  a  dim  glare  over  the  scene,  such  as 
Queen  Mab  delights  in  when  she  leads  her  fairy  train 
through  the  chambers  of  sleeping  mortals.  A  sweet  smile 
rested  upon  the  lips  of  Mary.  A  loved  form  flitted  athwart 
her  visions.  Roughgrove's  features  wore  a  grave  but  placid 
cast.  Boone's  face  was  as  passionless  and  calm  as  if  he 
were  a  stranger  to  terrific  strife.  Perils  could  now  make 
no  impression  on  him.  There  was  sadness  on  the  damp 
brow  of  Glenn,  and  a  tear  was  stealing  through  the  corner 
of  his  lids.  A  scene  of  woe,  or  the  crush  of  cherished 
hopes,  was  passing  before  his  entranced  vision.  Sneak, 
ever  and  anon  grasped  the  empty  air,  and  motioned  his 
arm,  as  if  in  the  midst  of  deadly  conflict.  And  Joe,  though 
his  bruised  face  betrayed  not  his  cast  of  thought,  still 
evinced  a  participation  in  the  ideal  transactions  of  the 
night,  by  the  frequent  involuntary  motions  of  his  body,  and 
repeated  endeavours  to  avoid  visionary  dangers. 

The  kitten  lay  upon  the  soft  neck  of  the  fawn,  and  at 
intervals  resumed  its  low,  humming  song,  which  had  more 
than  once  been  hushed  in  perfect  repose.  At  a  late  hour, 
or  rather  an  early  one,  just  ere  the  first  faint  ray  of  morn 
ing  appeared  in  the  distant  east,  puss  purred  rather  harshly 
on  the  silken  ears  of  its  companion,  and  its  sharp  claws 
producing  a  stinging  sensation,  the  fawn  shook  its  head 
violently,  and  threw  its  little  bed-fellow  rather  rudely 
several  feet  away.  The  kitten,  instead  of  being  angry, 
fell  into  a  merry  mood,  and  began  to  frisk  about  in  divers 


A   NARRATIVE. 

directions,  first  running  under  the  bed,  then  springing  upon 
some  diminutive  object  on  the  floor  as  it  would  upon  a 
mouse,  and  finally  pricking  again  the  ear  of  the  fawn. 
The  fawn  then  rose  up,  and  creeping  gently  about  the  room, 
touched  the  cheeks  or  hands  of  the  slumbering  inmates  with 
its  velvet  tongue,  but  so  softly  that  none  were  awakened 
The  kitten,  no  longer  able  to  annoy  its  companion  by  its 
mischievous  pranks,  now  paced  up  to  the  fire  and  com 
menced  playing  with  a  dangling  string  attached  to  Joe'? 
moccasin.  Once  it  jumped  up  with  such  force  against  his 
foot  that  he  jerked  it  quickly  several  inches  away.  But 
this  only  diverted  puss  the  more.  Instead  of  being  content 
with  the  palpable  demonstration  thus  effected,  it  followed 
up  the  advantage  gained  by  applying  both  its  claws  and 
teeth  to  the  foot.  While  it  confined  its  operations  to  the 
stout  buckskin,  but  little  impression  was  made ;  but  when 
it  came  in  contact  with  the  ankle,  which  was  only  covered 
with  a  yarn  stocking,  fche  result  was  entirely  different. 

"  Ugh  !  Confound  the  fire !"  exclaimed  Joe,  giving  a 
tremendous  kick,  which  dashed  puss  most  violently  into 
Sneak's  face. 

"Hey!  Dod!  What  is  it?"  cried  Sneak,  tearing  the 
kitten  (whose  briery  nails  had  penetrated  the  skin  of  his 
nose)  away,  and  throwing  it  across  the  room.  "  I  say !  did 
you  do  that?"  continued  Sneak,  wiping  the  blood  from  hia 
nose  with  his  sleeve,  and  addressing  Joe,  who  kept  his  eyes 
fast  closed,  though  almost  bursting  with  suppressed  laugh 
ter,  and  pretending  to  be  steeped  in  earnest  slumber.  "I 
won't  stand  this!"  said  Sneak,  smarting  with  his  wounds, 
and  striking  the  chair  in  which  Joe  sat  with  his  foot. 
"Now,"  continued  Sneak,  "if  you  done  that,  jest  say  so, 
that's  all." 

"Did  what?"  asked  Joe,  opening  his  eyes  suddenly. 

"Why,  throwed  that  ere  pestiverous  cat  on  me!"  said 
Sneak. 

"  No.  Goodness !  is  there  a  pole-cat  in  here  ?"  exclaimed 
Joe,  in  such  well-counterfeited  tones  of  anxiety  and  alarm, 
tiiat  the  real  encounter  occurring  to  Sneak,  and  his  pain 
being  now  somewhat  abated,  he  gave  vent  to  a  hearty  *h 
oi  laughter,  which  awoke  every  person  in  the  house. 

U* 


WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 


CHAPTER  X. 

fie  lead  removed — Tho  wolves  on  the  river — The  wolf  hunt — Gumfctid 
—  Joe's  incredulity  — His  conviction — His  surprise — His  predicament — 
His  r arrow  escape. 

WHEN  Sneak  opened  the  door,  the  sun  had  risen  and 
was  shining  brightly.  In  a  moment  the  inmates  of  the 
house  were  stirring.  The  horses  neighed  in  the  stable  for 
their  accustomed  food  and  water,  and  when  Joe  hastened 
to  them,  he  embraced  the  neck  of  each,  in  testimony  of  his 
joy  that  they  were  once  more  saved  from  the  hands  of  the 
Indians.  The  hounds  pranced  round  Boone  and  Glenn, 
manifesting  their  delight  in  being  relieved  of  the  presence 
of  the  enemy.  The  gate  was  thrown  open,  and  the  scene 
of  the  explosion  minutely  examined.  Fortunately  the 
channel  cut  under  the  snow  by  the  savages  ran  a  few  feet 
apart  from  the  powder,  or  the  whole  of  them  must  inevit 
ably  have  perished.  As  it  was,  not  a  single  one  lost  his 
life,  though  many  were  blown  up  in  the  air  to  a  considerable 
height.  Joe  and  Sneak  found  only  a  few  spears,  knives, 
and  tomahawks,  that  had  been  abandoned  by  the  savages ; 
and  then  they  repaired  to  the  west  side  of  the  inclosure, 
where  the  two  dead  Indians  were  still  lying.  They  had 
scarce  commenced  searching  their  victims  for  booty,  when 
a  solitary  Indian  was  seen  approaching  from  the  upper 
valley. 

"  We  hain't  got  our  guns !"  exclaimed  Sneak,  pulling  out 
bis  knife. 

"I'll  get  mine!"  cried  Joe,  running  away  with  all  his 
might. 

"What's  the  matter?"  inquired  Boone,  smiling,  who  had 
also  seen  the  approaching  Indian,  and  was  walking  to  where 
the  dead  savages  lay,  accompanied  by  Glenn  and  Rough- 
grove,  when  he  met  Joe  running  swiftly  towards  the  hfu.se 


They  had  scarce  commenced  searching  their  victims  for  booty,  when  a  solitary 
Indian  was  seen  approaching  from  the  upper  valley. — P.  126. 


A   NARRATIVE.  121 

"  Hang  me,  if  the  Indians  ain't  coming  back  again."  re 
plied  Joe. 

"  There  is  but  one,  and  he  has  a  white  flag,"  said  Boone. 
who  had  discovered  a  small  rag  attached  to  a  pole  borne 
by  the  Indian. 

"What  can  he  want?"  inquired  Glenn. 

"  He  wants  permission  to  bury  the  dead,"  replied  Rough- 
grove. 

"He's  the  very  rascal  we  let  loose  last  night,"  said 
Sneak. 

This  was  true.  Although  the  singed  savage  had  removed 
some  of  the  black  marks  produced  by  the  explosion,  yet 
so  many  palpable  traces  of  that  event  were  still  exhibited 
on  his  person,  there  could  be  no  doubt  of  his  identity. 

The  Indian  came  for  the  purpose  mentioned  by  Rough- 
grove,  and  his  request  was  granted.  He  made  a  sign  to  a 
comrade  he  had  left  some  distance  behind,  who,  in  a  very 
few  minutes,  was  seen  to  approach  in  a  hasty  though  timo 
rous  pace. 

"  Don't  go  to  shooting  out  here !"  exclaimed  Sneak,  hear 
ing  a  clicking  sound,  and  the  next  moment  observing  Joe 
pointing  his  musket  through  the  loophole  nearly  in  a  line 
with  the  spot  where  he  stood.  •• 

"  Come  in  !  come  in  !  come  in  !"  cried  Joe. 

"Put  your  gun  away,  and  be  silent,"  said  Glenn. 

"I'll  be  silent,"  replied  Joe,  "but  I'd  rather  stand  here 
and  watch  awhile.  If  they  ain't  going  to  hurt  any  of  us, 
it'll  do  no  harm ;  and  if  they  do  try  to  kill  any  of  you,  it 
may  do  some  good." 

When  the  second  Indian  arrived,  he  seized  the  body  of 
the  savage  enveloped  in  the  swine-skin,  (knowing  that  per 
mission  to  do  so  had  been  obtained  by  his  comrade,)  and 
bore  him  away  with  great  expedition,  manifesting  no  in 
clination  whatever  to  tarry  at  a  place  which  had  been  so 
fatal  to  his  brethren.  Biit  the  other  had  every  confidence 
ui  the  mercy  of  the  whites,  and  lingered  some  length  of 
time,  gazing  at  the  corpse  before  him,  as  if  hesitating 
whether  to  bear  it  away. 

"Why  do  you  not  take  him  up?"  inquired  Roughgrove. 

The  Indian  said  it  was  the  false  prophet  Raven,  and 
that  he  hardly  deserved  to  be  buried. 

Sneak  turned  the  dead  Indian  over,  (he  had  been  lyinp 


128  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

on  his  face,)  and  he  was  instantly  recognized  by  the  whole 
party. 

"  I'm  glad  its  him,"  said  Sneak. 

"I  think  we  will  have  peace  now,"  said  Boone,  "for 
Raven  has  ever  been  the  most  blood-thirsty  chief  of  the 
tribe." 

"  Where  is  the  war-party  encamped  ?  When  do  they 
return  to  their  own  country  ?"  asked  Roughgrove. 

The  Indian  replied  that  they  were  encamped  in  a  small 
grove  on  the  border  of  the  prairie,  where  they  intended  to 
bury  their  brothers,  and  then  it  was  their  intention  to  set 
out  immediately  for  their  villages.  He  added  that  one  of 
their  tribe,  whom  they  had  left  at  home,  arrived  that  morn 
ing  with  intelligence  that  a  war-party  of  Pawnees  had 
invaded  their  territories,  and  it  was  necessary  for  them  to 
hasten  back  with  all  possible  dispatch  to  defend  their  wives 
and  children. 

Glenn  asked  Boone  how  the  Indians  managed  to  sleep  in 
the  cold  prairie ;  and,  Roughgrove  repeating  the  inquiry  to 
the  savage,  they  were  informed  that  the  war-party  carried 
with  them  a  long  but  very  light  sled,  in  the  shape  of  a 
canoe,  to  which  was  tied  a  rope  made  of  buckskins,  by 
which  they  pulled  it  along  on  the  snow  with  great  swift 
ness.  This  kept  them  warm  with  exercise  through  the  day. 
A  quantity  of  furs  and  buffalo  skins  were  packed  in  the 
canoe  that  served  to  keep  them  warm  at  night. 

"  Mr.  Roughgrove  !  Mr.  Roughgrove  !"  cried  Joe,  from 
his  loophole. 

"  What  do  you  want  with  me?"  responded  the  old  man. 

"  Why,  Miss  Mary's  gone  down  to  your  house  to  see  if 
the  Indians  have  been  there,  and  they  may  be  there  now, 
perhaps.' 

"  There's  no  danger  now,  you  blockhead,"  replied  Rough- 
grove. 

"Keep  your  mouth  shet !"  said  Sneak. 

"  Your  mouth's  mashed — recollect  who  did  it,"  retorted 
Joe. 

The  savage  at  length  lifted  up  the  dead  body,  and  set 
jff  at  a  brisk  pace  towards  the  prairie.  The  party  then  re 
turned  to  the  house  and  partook  of  a  plenteous  repast  that 
had  been  prcvkled  by  Mary. 

When  the  breakfast  was  over,  they  repaired  to  tht  oliff. 


A   NARRATIVE. 

to  examine  the  place  where  the  Indians  had  first  penetrated 
the  snow.  They  had  commenced  operations  at  the  very 
brow  of  the  cliff,  on  a  shelving  rock,  to  attain  which,  with 
out  being  seen  from  the  garrison,  they  must  have  crawled 
on  their  hands  and  knees  a  considerable  distance.  Below 
could  be  seen  an  immense  heap  of  snow,  which  had  been 
thrown  down  from  the  place  of  entrance,  just  as  Boone  had 
described. 

"Jest  look  yander !"  cried  Sneak,  pointing  up  the  river. 
The  scene  was  a  remarkable  one.  They  beheld  a  very 
small  deer  (the  lightness  of  which  enabled  it  to  run  on  the 
snow  that  covered  the  ice  with  great  fleetness,  without 
breaking  through  the  crust,)  chased  about  on  the  river  by 
a  pack  of  wolves !  These  hungry  animals  had  evidently 
been  racing  after  it  a  great  length  of  time,  from  the  dis 
tressed  appearance  of  the  poor  victim,  and,  having  driven 
it  upon  the  ice,  they  seemed  resolved  to  prevent  it  from 
ever  again  entering  the  thickets.  The  plan  they  adopted 
was  systematic,  and  worthy  the  imitation  of  biped  hunters. 
They  dispersed  in  vai  ious  directions,  and  formed  them 
selves  in  a  circle  of  about  a  half  mile  in  diameter,  hemming 
the  deer  in  on  all  sides,  while  only  one  or  two  of  their  num 
ber  at  a  time  chased  it.  Round  and  round  it  ran;  and 
though  its  pursuers  were  left  far  in  the  rear,  yet  it  remained 
entirely  surrounded  by  the  enemy.  Occasionally,  when  a 
chasing  wolf  became  exhausted,  one  of  the  guards  (aban 
doning  his  post)  would  enter  the  ring,  and,  not  being  fa 
tigued,  was  able  to  carry  on  the  pursuit  with  redoubled 
vigour.  Thus  the  chase  was  kept  up  with  increasing 
fierceness  by  means  of  a  succession  of  fresh  wolves,  until 
the  poor  deer  finally  sank  down  and  surrendered  its  life. 
The  voracious  pack  then  rushed  from  their  stations  indis 
criminately,  and  coming  in  contact  immediately  over  their 
prey,  a  most  frightful  contest  ensued  among  them.  Horrific 
yells  and  screams  could  be  heard  by  the  men  as  they  looked 
on  from  their  distant  position.  At  times  the  wolves  were  so 
closely  jumbled  together  that  nothing  could  be  distinguished 
but  one  black,  heaving,  and  echoing  mass.  But  the  strug 
gle  was  soon  over.  In  a  very  few  moments  they  became 
quiet,  and  started  off  in  a  comparatively  peaceful  manner 
towards  the  island,  w  ence  their  prize  had  been  driven,  in 


130  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

•\vest  of  others.     When  they  abandoned  the  spot  where 
their  victim  had  fallen,  not  so  much  as  a  bone  remained. 

"  That's  making  a  clean  business  of  it !"  said  Sneak. 

"Its  no  such  thing!"  said  Joe;  " it's  a  nasty  trick  to 
swallow  hide,  bones,  and  bowels,  in  that  manner." 

"  Its  clean  for  wolves,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  may  be  you're  part  wolf,"  said  Joe. 

"  Now,  none  of  your  gab,  or  I'll  play  some  other  trick 
en  you,  worse  than  that  at  the  spring." 

"  You  be  hanged,"  retorted  Joe ;  "  I'll  give  you  leave 
to  do  it  when  you  get  a  chance  the  next  time." 

"It  is  a  great  pity  that  the  deer  are  subject  to  such 
destruction,"  remarked  Glenn. 

"  The  wolves  we  saw  are  all  on  yonder  island,"  said 
Boone,  "  and  if  you  are  disposed  to  have  a  hunt,  I  have  no 
doubt  we  might  kill  some  of  them." 

"  We  are  entirely  dependent  upon  the  deer  for  animal 
food,"  said  Roughgrove  ;  "and  if  we  could  only  surround 
that  party  of  wolves  as  they  did  the  deer,  we  might  do  the 
settlement  much  good  service." 

"I  go  in  for  it,"  said  Sneak. 

"  I'd  rather  wait  a  day  or  two,  till  the  Indians  have  gone 
clean  off,"  said  Joe. 

"  There  is  nothing  to  fear  from  them  now,"  said  Boone, 
"  unless  something  they  might  steal  should  fall  in  their 
way.  But  it  will  not  require  an  hour  to  rout  the  wolves 
on  the  little  island." 

"Then  let  us  hasten  and  get  our  guns,  and  be  upon 
them  before  they  leave  it,"  said  Glenn. 

They  returned  to  the  house,  and  were  all  soon  equipped 
for  the  onslaught,  except  Joe,  who  made  no  preparation 
whatever. 

"  Get  ready,  Joe,"  said  Glenn ;  "  your  redoubtable  mua 
.ket  will  do  good  service." 

"  I'd  rather  not,"  said  Joe ;  "  I'm  hardly  well  enough 
to  wilk  so  far.  I'll  take  cars  of  Miss  Mary.  I  wonder 
what's  become  of  her?  Mr.  R  ughgrove,  Miss  Mary  hasn't 
come  back  yet !" 

"  Yes  she  has,"  replied  the  old  ferryman  ;  "  I  saw  her 
bring  this  frozen  flower  up,  while  we  were  standing  on  the 
cliff,  and  she  has  only  returned  for  the  other  pots-  I  hear 


A   NARRATIVE.  181 

her  singing  down  the  valley  now,"  he  added,  after  step 
ping  to  the  gate  and  listening  a  moment. 

"Have  you  any  gum  fetid?"  asked  Boone,  addressing 
Glenn. 

"I've  got  lots  of  it,"  interposed  Joe,  "  that  I  brought 
along  for  the  horses,  because  an  old  man  at  St.  Louis  told 
me  they  would  never  die  so  long  as  I  kept  a  lump  of  it  in 
the  rack." 

"What  use  do  you  make  of  it?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  The  scent  of  it  will  at  any  time  collect  the  wolves," 
said  Boone,  directing  Joe  to  bring  it  along. 

The  party  set  out  at  a  brisk  pace,  Joe  with  the  rest,  for 
it  was  necessary  to  station  the  men  at  as  many  points  as 
possible.  Boone,  Roughgrove,  and  Glenn,  when  they 
reached  the  upper  valley,  descended  to  the  river,  while 
Sneak  and  Joe  were  directed  to  station  themselves  on  the 
main-land  opposite  the  upper  and  lower  ends  of  the  island. 
The  party  of  three  advanced  towards  the  island  on  the  icoy 
and  Sneak  and  Joe  pursued  their  way  in  a  parallel  direc 
tion  through  the  narrow  skirt  of  woods  that  bordered  the 
range  of  bluffs. 

Ere  long  the  two  on  land  descended  from  their  high  po 
sition  and  entered  a  densely-timbered  bottom,  the  upper 
part  of  which  (a  half  mile  distant)  was  only  separated  from 
the  island  by  a  very  narrow  channel.  _ 

Here,  for  the  first  time  that  day,  the  thought  that  the 
island  he  was  approaching  was  the  haunted  one  of  Glenn's 
dream  occurred  to  Joe,  and  he  paused  suddenly. 

"  What  are  you  stopping  for  ?"  asked  Sneak. 

"  Because" — Joe  hesitated,  positively  ashamed  to  tell 
the  reason ;  and  after  a  moment's  reflection  he  was  im 
pressed  with  a  thorough  conviction  that  his  apprehensions 
and  scruples  were  ridiculous. 

"Don't  you  hear  me  ?"  continued  Sneak. 

"  I  was  thinking _about  going  back  for  the  dogs," 
»aid  Joe. 

"  Yes,  and  they  would  be  torn  to  bits  in  a  little  less  than 
no  time,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Come  on,  then,"  said  Joe,  setting  forward  again,  and 
dismissing  all  fears  of  the  fire-wizard  from  his  mind. 

"Let  me  see  how  much  asafcetida  you've  got,"  said 
Sneak,  after  they  had  walked  a  few  moments  in  silence 


132  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  Hore  it  is,"  said  Joe,  unwrapping  a  paper  containing 
several  ounces;  "but  hang  me,  if  that  ain't  rather  too 
Btrong  a  joke  of  Mr.  Boone's  about  its  collecting  the 
wolves.  I  can't  believe  that." 

"  Did  you  ever  hear  of  Mr.  Boone's  telling  a  lie  ?" 
asked  Sneak. 

"No,  I  never  did,  and  that's  a  fact,"  said  Joe;  "but 
I'm  afraid  he's  got  into  a  scrape  this  time — Jingo !  look 
yonder  !"  he  continued,  throwing  his  musket  up  to  his  face, 
and  pointing  it  at  a  very  large  black  wolf  that  stood  in  the 
path  before  them. 

"Don't  shoot!  I  put  two  loads  in  your  gun,"  cried 
Sneak,  hastily. 

"  Confound  your  long-necked  gourd-head,  I  say  !"  said 
Joe,  throwing  down  the  muzzle  of  his  musket  in  an  instant, 
and  the  next  moment  the  wolf  disappeared  among  the  tall 
bushes.  "Why,  hang  me,  if  you  didn't  tell  a  lie!"  con 
tinued  Joe,  running  down  his  ramrod. 

"  Don't  I  know  it  ?"  replied  Sneak.  "  I  jest  said  so  to 
keep  you  from  shooting;  becaise  if  you  had  shot,  you'd 
'ave  skeered  all  the  other  wolves  away,  and  we  wouldn't 
'ave  killed  any." 

"  It's  well  you  didn't  put  in  another  cartridge,"  said 
Joe,  "  for  I  wish  I  may  be  smashed  if  I  stand  this  kicking 
business  any  longer." 

"  Now,  I  guess  you'll  believe  there's  something  in  the 
asafoetida,  after  all !  and  the  wolves  '11  come  all  round  you 
and  won't  go  off  for  shooting  at  'em,  if  you'll  only  rub  it 
on  the  soles  of  your  boots. 

"  I'll  try  it !"  said  Joe,  suiting  the  action  to  the  word, 
and  then  striding  onward,  and  looking  in  every  direction 
for  the  wolves. 

"  You'll  have  to  tree,  if  they  come  too  thick." 

"Pshaw!"  replied  Joe,  "you  can't  scare  me  in  that 
way.  I  don't  believe  a  hat  full  of  it  would  make  them 
stand  and  be  shot  at." 

They  were  now  opposite  the  island.  Joe  selected  a  po 
sition  even  with  the  upper  end  of  it,  and  Sneak  remained 
below.  Boone,  after  stationing  Roughgrove  and  Glenn  to 
the  best  advantage,  walked  out  to  the  main -land,  and 
taking  some  of  the  gum  fetid  in  Joe's  possession,  returue  J 


A   NARRATIVE.  135 

to  the  island ;  and,  ere  long,  he,  Roughgrove,  and  Glenn 
were  heard  discharging  their  guns  with  great  rapidity,  and 
the  cries  of  the  wolves  attested  that  they  were  labouring 
with  effect.  But  none  of  the  beleaguered  animals  had  yet 
retreated  from  the  scene  of  destruction.  On  the  contrary, 
several  were  seen  to  run  across  from  the  main-land  and 
join  those  on  the  island.  Presently  Sneak  commenced  a 
brisk  fire  There  seemed  to  be  a  whole  army  of  wolves 
congregated  in  the  vicinity.  Joe  at  first  laughed,  and  then 
became  confused  and  puzzled.  He  anxiously  desired  to 
make  the  roar  of  his  musket  join  the  melde ;  but  at  times 
he  thought  the  ravenous  enemy  rather  too  numerous  for 
him  to  be  in  perfect  safety.  The  firing  on  the  island  con' 
tinued  without  abatement.  Sneak's  gun  was  likewise  still 
heard  at  regular  intervals,  and  what  seemed  an  extraor 
dinary  matter  to  Joe  was  that  Sneak  should  yell  out  some 
thing  or  other  about  the  "  asafcetida,"  and  "  moccasin 
tracks,"  after  every  discharge.  Joe  was  not  long  idle. 
He  soon  saw  a  huge  black  wolf  trotting  along  the  little 
deer  path  he  had  just  traversed,  with  its  nose  down  to  the 
ground.  A  moment  after,  another,  and  then  a  third,  were 
seen  pursuing  the  same  course,  some  distance  behind.  Joe 
became  uneasy.  His  first  impulse  was  to  scamper  over  to 
the  island  :  but,  when  he  thought  of  the  jeers  and  jests 
that  would  ensue  from  Sneak,  he  resolved  to  stand  his 
ground.  When  the  foremost  wolf  had  approached  within 
thirty  paces  of  him,  he  leveled  his  musket  and  fired.  The 
wolf  uttered  a  fierce  howl  and  expired. 

"  Hang  me,  if  I  haven't  floored  you,  any  how,"  said  he, 
exultingly,  as  he  proceeded  to  reload  his  gun  with  as  much 
expedition  as  possible.  But  the  other  wolves,  so  far  from 
being  alarmed  at  the  fate  of  their  comrade,  seemed  to 
quicken  their  pace  towards  the  position  of  Joe.  "  Slash 
me,  if  there  ain't  too  many  of  them  !"  ejaculated  Joe,  as 
he  perceived  several  others,  and  all  advancing  upon  him. 
"  I'll  settle  your  hash,  by  jing  !"  he  continued,  firing  at  the 
foremost  one,  which  was  not  twenty  paces  distant.  The 
leaden  contents  of  the  musket  entered  its  breast,  and  it 
fell  dead  without  a  growl.  Still  the  others  advanced.  Joe 
had  no  time  to  charge  his  gun  again. 

"  I'D  make  tracks  !"  said  he,  starting  toward  the  frozen 
unannel  that  separated  him  from  the  island.  But  he  had 

i? 


134  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

not  gone  ten  paces  before  he  discovered  two  enormous 
wolves  approaching  from  that  direction.  "  I'll  cut  dirt 
back  again  !"  he  continued,  whirling  suddenly  around,  and 
rushing  back  to  his  stand,  where  he  stood  not  a  moment, 
but  sprang  up  in  a  tree,  and  after  attaining  a  large  limb 
that  put  out  from  the  trunk,  some  fifteen  feet  above  the  snow, 
paused,  and  pantingly'surveyed  his  assailants.  There  were 
now  no  less  than  twenty  wolves  in  sight,  and  several  were 
at  the  root  of  the  tree  yelping  at  him  !  "  I'll  be  hanged 
if  I  half  like  this,"  said  he.  "  Snap  me,  if  I  dou't  begin 
to  believe  that  the  asafoetida  does  charm  them,  after  all. 
Confound  Sneak  !  he's  always  getting  me  into  some  hobble 
or  other !  Now,  if  it  wasn't  for  this  tree,  I'd  be  in  a  nice 
fix.  Hang  it !  all  the  wolves  in  the  world  are  broke  loose 
to-day,  surely — where  the  mischief  could  they  all  have 
come  from  ?  Just  hear  the  men,  how  they  are  shooting ! 
And  they  are  killing  the  wild  black  dogs  every  crack — but 
still  they  won't  back  out!  I'll  blaze  away  at  'em  again!" 
Saying  this,  he  reloaded  his  musket  as  quickly  as  his  pe 
culiar  position  would  allow,  and,  for  the  purpose  of  ridding 
himself  as  soon  as  possible  of  his  disagreeable  visitors,  he 
poured  in  an  additional  charge  of  buckshot.  "Now,"  he 
continued,  "  what  if  the  gun  should  fly  out  of  my  hands  ? 
I'd  be  in  a  pretty  condition  then !  I  wouldn't  mind  the  kick 
at  all,  if  I  was  only  on  dry  land — but  if  the  gun  should 
kick  me  over  here,  I'd  tumble  right  down  into  their  mouths ! 
I  wish  I'd  thought  of  that  before  I  rammed  down  the  wad 
ding.  I  havn't  got  my  screw  along,  or  I  might  draw  out 
the  load  again.  I'll  not  shoot  at  all.  I'll  just  watch  till 
somebody  comes  and  scares  them  away.  Ugh  !  you  black 
rascal!  what  're  you  staring  up  here  for?"  he  continued, 
looking  down  at  the  largest  wolf,  which  was  standing  up 
right  against  the  tree,  and  tearing  the  bark  away  furiously 
with  his  long  teeth.  The  number  of  Joe's  enemies  con 
tinued  to  increase.  There  were  now  perhaps  twenty  un 
der  the  tree.  And  still  the  firing  on  the  island  was  kept 
up,  though  not  so  incessantly  as  at  first,  which  inspired  Joe 
with  a  hope  that  they  would  either  kill  all  the  wolves  in 
their  vicinity  very  soon  or  force  them  to  join  his  flock  under 
the  tree,  when  the  men  would  surely  come  to  his  relief. 
Sneak's  fire  abated  somewhat,  likewise,  and  Joe's  reliance 


A    NARRATIVE.  135 

upon  having  their  aid  in  a  very  short  time  caused  his  feara 
to  subside  in  a  great  measure. 

"  If  you're  so  crazy  after  asafcetida,"  said  he,  looking 
down  at  the  fiercely  staring  animals  again,  "  I'll  give  you  a 
taste,  just  to  see  what  you'll  do."  He  took  a  small  portion 
of  the  gum  which  he  had  retained,  and  rubbed  it  over  a 
piece  of  paper  that  he  found  in  his  pocket.  He  then 
dropped  the  paper  in  their  midst.  They  sprang  upon  it 
simultaneously,  and  in  an  instanfrit  vanished,  Joe  knew  not 
whither.  "  Hang  me,  if  I  couldn't  pepper  a  half-dozen  at 
a  shot  when  they  all  rush  up  together  so  close,  if  I  wasn't 
afraid  of  being  kicked  down.  I'll  be  teetotally  smashed  if 
I  don't  fix  and  try  it,  any  how  !"  said  he,  pulling  out  a  strong 
leather  string  from  his  pocket,  one  end  of  which  he  attached 
firmly  to  a  small  limb  of  the  tree,  and  the  other  he  tied  as 
tightly  round  the  wrist  of  his  left  arm.  He  then  pulled 
out  his  bandanna,  and  likewise  made  his  musket  fast  to  a 
bough.  "  Now,  my  snapping  beauties,"  he  continued,  "  I'm 
mistaken  if  I  don't  give  you  a  dose  of  blue  pills  that  '11  do 
your  business  in  short  order."  Saying  this,  he  tore  off  an 
other  piece  of  paper,  and  rubbing  on  the  gum,  dropped  it 
down  as  near  as  possible  to  the  spot  where  he  wished  the 
wolves  to  cluster  together.  No  sooner  did  it  fall  than  the 
whole  gang  sprang  upon  it,  and  he  fired  with  precision  in 
their  midst.  Joe  did  not  look  to  see  what  execution  was 
done.  '  He  was  dangling  in  the  air  and  whirling  round  and 
round  at  a  rapid  rate,  like  a  malefactor  suspended  from  the 
gallows,  with  the  exception  that  his  neck  did  not  suffer,  and 
he  cried  out  most  lustily  for  assistance.  When  the  cloud 
of  smoke  that  enveloped  him  cleared  away  a  little,  and  he 
became  better  acquainted  with  his  critical  situation,  his  yells 
increased  in  rapidity  and  violence.  His  condition  was  truly 
perilous.  The  small  bough  to  which  he  had  attached  him 
self  had  not  sufficient  strength  to  bear  him  up  when  his 
feet  slipped  from  the  larger  one  below,  and  it  was  now  bent 
down  a  considerable  distance,  and  that  too  in  a  divergent 
direction  from  his  recent  foothold,  and  unfortunately  there 
was  no  limb  of  the  tree  of  any  strength  within  his  reach.  His 
legs  hung  within  six  feet  of  the  surface  of  the  snow.  The 
discharge  had  killed  four  or  five  of  the  wolves,  but,  undis 
mayed,  the  remainder  assailed  him  the  more  furiously. 
The  most  active  of  them  could  easily  spring  as  far  up  as 


136  WILD   WESTERN   SCEXES: 

his  feet !  Never  was  terror  more  strongly  depicted  in  the 
human  face  than  it  was  displayed  jn  Joe's  when  he  saw 
the  whole  pack  rushing  towards  him !  They  sprang  up 
with  fearful  snarls  and  yells.  Joe  yelled  likewise,  and 
doubled  his  knees  up  to  his  chin.  They  missed  his  feet  by 
several  inches,  and  were  borne  out  fifteen  or  twenty  feet 
to  one  side  by  the  impetus  of  the  leap.  It  was  by  a  mighty 
effort  that  he  thus  avoided  them,  and  no  sooner  had  they 
passed  under  him  than  his  legs  again  dangled  downward. 
In  a  moment  they  whirled  round  and  were  again  rushing 
at  their  victim.  Once  more  Joe  screamed,  and  drew  up 
his  legs  while  they  passed  under  him.  "  Help  !  help  !  for 
God's  sake  !"  cried  he,  when  they  whirled  round  again. 
His  cry  was  heard.  Several  sharp  reports  resounded  from 
the  river  bank,  a  few  paces  on  the  east.  Three  or  four  of 
the  wolves  howled  and  fell.  The  rest  hesitated,  their  eyes 
glistening,  and  fixed  on  Joe's  suspended  boots.  "Come 
quick !  for  Heaven's  sake !  I  can't  pull  up  my  legs  any 
more  !"  cried  Joe.  This  was  true,  for  his  strength  was  fast 
failing.  The  guns  were  again  discharged,  with  deadly 
effect,  and  all  but  one  of  the  largest  of  the  wolves  precipi 
tately  ran  off,  and  disappeared  among  the  bushes. 

'  Jerk  up  your  leg !  that  feller's  a  going  to  take  one  of 
your  feet  along  with  him,  if  he  kin  !"  cried  Sneak.  Joe 
saw  the  wolf  charging  upon  him,  but  he  was  altogether  un 
able  to  avoid  it  in  the  manner  he  had  done  before.  It  was 
now  only  a  few  feet  distant,  its  mouth  open,  displaying  a 
frightful  set  of  teeth,  and  springing  towards  him.  Finding 
it  impossible  to  prevent  a  collision,  Joe  resolved  to  sell  his 
foot  as  dearly  as  possible.  As  much  as  he  was  able,  he 
bent  up  his  knee-joints,  and  when  his  assailant  came,  he 
bestowed  his  heels  upon  his  head  with  all  his  might.  The 
wolf  was  stunned,  and  fell  under  the  blow. 

"Take  that!"  cried  Sneak,  running  up  and  plunging 
his  knife  into  the  animal's  side.  The  wolf  groaned 
and  died. 

"Ha!  ha!  ha!  you  were  born  to  be  hanged,"  said 
Roughgrove,  coming  forward  with  Boone  and  Glenn,  and 
iaughing  heartily. 

rt  He  has  been  hung,"  said  Boone. 

"And  almost  quartered,"  said  Glenn. 


They  sprang  up  with  fearful  snarls  and  yells.    Joe  yelled  likewise,  and  doubled 
his  knees  up  to  his  chin.— P.  136. 


A   NAKRATIVB.  13? 

"  Oh,  goodness !  Jump  up  here,  Sneak,  and  cut  me  loose," 
said  Joe,  beseechingly. 

"  There's  no  danger  of  you  ever  dying,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  please  don't  laugh  at  me,  Sneak,  but  cut  me  down ; 
that's  a  good  fellow.  The  string  is  beginning  to  cut  my 
wrist  like  fury !" 

"  How  did  you  git  in  such  a  fix?"  continued  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  hang  it,  Sneak,  just  get  me  out  of  the  fix,  and  I'll 
tell  you  all  about  it." 

"It's  hung  now — didn't  you  say  'hang  it,  Sneak?'" 
continued  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  come,  now,"  continued  Joe;  "if  you  were  in  this 
way,  don't  you  think  I'd  help  you  ?" 

"  Cut  him  down,  Sneak,"  said  Boone;  and  in  a  twinkling 
Sneak  was  up  in  the  tree,  and  the  string  was  severed.  Joe 
came  down  with  great  force,  his  feet  foremost,  and  running 
through  the  snow-crust  to  a  great  depth. 

"  I  wish  some  of  you  would  help  me  out  of  this,"  said 
he,  after  struggling  some  time  in  vain  to  extricate  himself. 

"You'll  want  me  to  carry  you  home  next,  I  s'pose," 
said  Sneak,  assisting  him  up.  Joe  made  no  reply ;  but  as 
soon  as  he  could  cut  the  string  away  from  his  wrist,  seized 
Sneak  by  the  throat,  hurled  him  on  his  back,  and  spring 
ing  upon  him,  a  violent  struggle  ensued  for  a  few  moments 
before  they  could  be  separated. 

"What  do  you  mean?"  exclaimed  Glenn,  dragging  Joe 
away  from  his  prostrate  victim. 

"What  did  you  do  that  for  ?"  asked  Sneak,  rising  up  and 
brushing  the  snow  from  his  head  and  face,  his  fall  having 
broken  the  icy  surface. 

"  You  rascal,  you!  I'll  show  you  what  for!"  cried  Joe, 
endeavouring  to  get  at  him  again. 

"Joe!"  said  Glenn,  "if  you  attempt  any  further 
violence,  you  shall  not  remain  another  day  under  my  roofl" 

"  He  boxed  my  ear  like  thunder  !"  said  Sneak ;  "  I  didn't 
think  the  fellow  had  so  much  pluck  in-him!  I  like  him 
Detter  now  than  ever  I  did.  Give  us  your  paw,  Joe."  Joe 
shook  hands  with  him  reluctantly,  and  then  wiped  a  flood 
of  tears  from  his  face. 

"  He  told  me  to  put  some  asafetida  on  my  boots,  and 
said  I  could  then  kill  more  wolves,"  said  Joe ;  "  and  it 
caine  within  an  ace  of  making  them  kill  me." 

12* 


18%  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"It  was  very  wrong  to  do  so,  Sneak,"  said  Boone,  "and 
the  boxing  you  got  for  it  was  not  amiss." 

"I  believe  I  think  so  myself,"  said  Sneak.  "But  it  did 
make  him  kill  more  wolves  after  all — jest  look  at  'em  all 
around  here !" 

Joe  soon  recovered  entirely  from  the  effects  of  his  swing, 
his  fright,  and  his  anger,  and  looked  with  something  like 
eatisfaction  on  his  many  trophies  lying  round  him ;  and 
when  he  disengaged  his  musket  from  the  bough  of  the  tree, 
he  regarded  it  with  affection. 

They  moved  homeward,  entirely  content  with  the  result 
of  the  excursion.  Boone  explained  the  reason  why  so  many 
of  the  wolves  were  congregated  about  the  island.  lie 
stated  that  the  vines  and  bushes  on  which  the  deer  feed  in 
the  winter  were  abundant  and  nutritious  in  the  low  lands 
along  the  river,  and  that  great  numbers  of  them  repaired 
thither  at  that  season  of  the  year.  The  wolves  of  course 
followed  them,  and  having  now  destroyed  all  the  large  deer 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  island,  and  the  small  ones  being  en 
abled  to  run  on  the  snow-crust,  they  found  it  necessary  to 
muster  in  the  chase  as  great  a  number  as  possible,  and  thus 
prevent  their  prey  from  escaping  to  the  prairies.  He  said 
that  the  wolves  preferred  the  timber,  being  enabled  to  make 
more  comfortable  lairs  and  dens  among  the  fallen  trees 
than  out  in  the  cold  prairies.  But  their  guns  had  wrought 
a  fearful  destruction  among  them.  Perhaps  three-fourths 
of  them  fell. 

The  party  soon  reached  Glenn's  house.  As  they  entered 
the  inclosure,  they  were  surprised  to  see  Ringwood  run 
ning  wildly  about,  whining  and  snarling  and  tearing  the 
snow  to  pieces  with  his  teeth.  Jowler  was  more  composed, 
but  a  low,  mournful  whine  issued  continuously  from  his 
mouth. 

"Dod!  what's  the  dogs  been  after?"  ejaculated  Sneak. 

"  Go  in,  Joe,  and  ask  Mary  what  it  means,"  said  Rough 
grove. 

"I'd  rather  not — the  house  may  be  full  of  Indians,"  re 
plied  Joe,  relapsing  into  his  natural  cowardice. 

"Mary,"  said  Roughgrove,  approaching  the  door  and 
calling  affectionately.  Receiving  no  reply,  the  old  nan 
entered  and  called  again.  A  silence  succeeded.  Rough 


A    NARRATIVE.  139 

grove  reappeared  a  moment  after,  with  a  changed  coun 
tenance.  Boone  gazed  at  his  pale  features,  and  asked  the 
cause  of  his  distress  by  a  look,  not  a  word. 

"She's  gone!  gone!  gone!"  exclaimed  Roughgrove, 
cohering  his  face  with  both  hands. 

Boone  madenoanswer,butturning  his  face  in  the  direction 
of  the  southern  valley,  he  called  upon  the  name  of  Mary 
three  times,  in  clear  and  loud  tones.  He  listened  for  her 
reply,  in  a  motionless  attitude,  several  minutes.  But  no 
reply  came.  Now  a  change  came  over  Ms  features.  It 
was  a  ferocity  from  which  even  the  blood-thirsty  savages 
would  have  fled  in  horror ! 

"  My  eternal  curse  upon  them  !  They  have  seized  her  ! 
I  have  b'NJix  deceived  !  I  will  have  vengeance  !"  said  he, 
in  a  low,  determined  tone. 

"  Will  they  kill  her,  or  keep  her  for  a  ransom  ?"  inquired 
Glenn,  in  extreme  and  painful  excitement. 

"A  ransom,"  said  Boone;  "  but  they  shall  pay  the  weight 
of  the  silver  they  demand  in  blood  !" 

"May  Heaven  guard  her  !"  said  Roughgrove, in  piteous 
agony. 

"Cheer  up — we  will  get  her  again,"  said  Boone;  and 
then  giving  some  hasty  directions,  preparations  were  made 
for  pursuit. 


CHAPTER  XL 

Mary— Her  meditations — Her  capture — Her  sad  condition — Her  mtctal 
sufferings — Her  escape — Her  recapture. 

WHEN  the  men  departed  for  the  island  in  quest  cf  the 
wolves,  Mary  was  singing  over  her  neglected  flowers,  at 
her  father's  house  in  the  valley,  and  her  clear  ringing  notes 
were  distinctly  heard  by  the  whole  party.  After  they  were 
gone  she  continued  her  song,  and  lingered  long  over  every 
faded  leaf  and  withered  blossom,  with  no  thought  of  danger 
whatever,  and  none  of  pain,  save  the  regret  that  her  long 


140  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

cheiishnd  plants  had  been  forgotten  in  the  consternation  of 
the  previous  day,  and  had  fallen  victims  to  the  frost-king. 
But  nothing  had  been  touched  by  the  savages.  The  do 
mestic  fowls  clustered  about  her,  and  received  their  food 
from  her  hands  as  usual.  The  fawn  was  with  her,  and 
evinced  the  delight  afforded  by  the  occasional  caress  be 
stowed  upon  it,  by  frequently  skipping  sportively  around 
her.  Mary  was  happy.  Her  wants  were  few,  and  she 
knew  not  that  there  was  such  a  thing  as  a  malicious  enemy 
in  the  world,  save  the  wild  savage.  Her  thoughts  were  as 
pure  as  the  morning  dew,  and  all  her  delights  were  the 
results  of  innocence.  She  had  never  harmed  any  one,  and 
her  guileless  heart  never  conceived  the  possibility  of  suffer 
ing  ill  at  the  hands  of  others.  She  smiled  when  the  beauti 
ful  fawn  touched  her  hand  with  its  velvet  tongue,  and  a 
tear  dimmed  her  eye  for  an  instant  when  she  looked  upon 
her  stricken  rose. 

While  looking  at  one  of  the  homely  shelves  in  a  corner 
of  the  deserted  house,  Mary  accidentally  espied  a  small 
volume  of  poems,  the  gift  of  Glenn,  that  had  been  neglected. 
She  seized  it  eagerly,  and  after  turning  over  the  pages  the 
fiftieth  time,  and  humming  over  many  of  the  songs,  she 
paused  suddenly,  and  lifting  her  eyes  to  the  bright  sun 
beams  that  streamed  through  the  window,  long  remained 
in  a  listless  attitude.  Something  unusual  had  startled  her 
simple  meditations.  At  first  a  shade  of  painful  concern 
seemed  to  pass  across  her  brow,  and  then  glancing  quickly 
at  the  book  she  still  held  in  her  hand,  a  sweet  smile  ani 
mated  her  lips.  But  again  and  again,  ever  and  anon,  the 
abstracted  gaze  was  repeated,  and  as  often  succeeded  by 
the  smile  when  her  eyes  fell  upon  the  volume.  Did  her 
thoughts  dwell  upon  the  giver  of  that  book  ?  Undoubtedly. 
Did  she  love  Glenn  ?  This  she  knew  not  herself,  but  she 
would  have  died  for  him !  She  was  ignorant  of  the  terms 
courtship,  love,  and  marriage.  But  nature  had  given  her 
a  heart  abounding  with  noble  and  generous  impulses. 

At  lengtn  she  drew  her  shawl  closely  round  her  shoul 
ders,  and,  closing  the  door  of  the  hut,  was  in  the  act  of 
returning  up  the  hill,  when  she  was  startled  by  the  furious 
and  sudden  barking  of  the  hounds,  which  she  had  left  con 
fined  in  the  inclosure  on  the  cliff.  She  paused,  and  locked 
steadily  in  every  direction,  and  was  not  able  to  discover,  or 


A   NARRATIVE.  141 

even  conjecture,  what  it  was  that  b«.d  roused  the  hounds. 
Yet  an  undefinable  fear  seized  upon  her.  The  fawn  at 
her  side  likewise  partook  of  the  agitation,  for  the  hair  stood 
upright  on  its  back,  and  it  often  snuffed  the  air  with  great 
violence,  producing,  at  each  time,  a  shrill,  unnatural  sound. 

Mary  started  briskly  up  the  path,  determined  to  shut 
herself  up  in  Glenn's  house  until  her  father  returned  from 
the  island.  When  she  had  proceeded  about  twenty  paces, 
and  was  just  passing  a  dense  thicket  of  hazel  that  bordered 
the  narrow  path,  she  heard  a  slight  rustling  on  the  left,  and 
the  next  moment  she  was  clasped  in  the  arms  of  a  brawny 
savage  ! 

"  Oh  me !  who  are  you?"  demanded  she,  struggling  to 
disengage  herself,  and  unable  to  see  the  swarthy  features 
of  her  captor,  who  stood  behind  her.  No  answer  being 
made,  she  cast  her  eyes  downwards,  and  beheld  the  colour 
of  the  arms  that  encircled  her.  "  Father  !  Mr.  Glenn  !  Mr. 
Boone !"  she  exclaimed,  struggling  violently.  Her  efforts 
were  unavailing,  and,  overcome  with  exhaustion  and  af 
fright,  she  fainted  on  the  Indian's  breast.  The  savage 
then  lifted  her  on  his  shoulder,  ran  down  to  the  rivulet  that 
flowed  through  the  valley,  and  fled  outwards  to  the  prairie. 
When  he  reached  the  cave-spring,  a  confederate,  who  had 
been  waiting  for  him,  seized  the  burden  and  bore  it  onwards, 
in  a  westerly  direction,  with  increased  rapidity.  Thus  they 
continued  the  retreat,  bearing  the  insensible  maiden  alter 
nately,  until  they  came  to  a  small  grove  some  distance  but 
in  the  prairie,  when  they  slackened  their  pace,  and,  after 
creeping  a  short  time  under  the  pendent  boughs  of  the 
trees,  halted  in  the  camp  of  the  war-party. 

The  Indians  gathered  round  the  pale  captive,  some  with 
rage  and  deadly  passions  marked  upon  their  faces,  and  others 
with  expressions  of  triumph  aad  satisfaction.  They  now 
made  preparations  for  departing.  Mary  was  wrapped  in  a 
large  buffalo  robe,  enveloping  her  body  and  face,  and  placed 
in  the  snow-canoe.  The  party  then  deposited  their  toma 
hawks  and  other  cumbersome  articles  at  the  feet  of  their 
captive,  and,  grasping  the  leather  rope  attached  to  the 
canoe,  set  off  rapidly  in  a  southerly  direction. 

Ere  long,  Mary  partially  awoke  from  her  state  of  insen 
sibility,  when  all  was  dark  and  strange  to  her  confused 
senses.  She  pulled  aside  the  long  hair  of  the  buffalo  skin 


142  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

that  obscured  her  face,  and  looked  out  from  her  narrow 
place  of  confinement.  The  blue  heavens  alone  met  her 
view  above.  The  incident  of  the  seizure  was  indistinct  in 
her  memory,  and  she  could  not  surmise  the  nature  of  her 
present  condition.  She  turned  hastily  on  her  side,  and  the 
occasional  bush  she  espied  in  the  vicinity  indicated  that  she 
was  rushing  along  by  some  means  with  an  almost  incon 
ceivable  rapidity.  She  could  scarce  believe  it  was  reality. 
How  she  came  thither,  and  how  she  was  propelled  over 
the  snow,  for  several  moments  were  matters  of  incompre 
hensible  mystery  to  the  trembling  girl.  At  first,  she  en 
deavoured  to  persuade  herself  that  it  was  a  dream ;  but, 
having  a  consciousness  that  some  terrible  thing  had  actually 
occurred,  all  the  painful  fears  of  which  the  mind  is  capa 
ble  were  put  in  active  operation.  The  suspense  was  soon  dis 
pelled.  Hearing  human  voices  ahead,  and  not  readily  com 
prehending  the  language,  she  hastily  rose  on  her  elbow. 
The  party  of  Indians  dragging  her  fleetly  over  the  smooth 
prairie  met  her  chilled  view.  But  she  was  now  compara 
tively  collected  and  calm.  Instantly  her  true  condition  wa 
apparent.  She  watched  the  swarthy  forms  some  moment 
in  silence,  meditating  the  means  of  escape.  Presently  one 
of  the  savages  turned  partly  round,  and  she  sank  back  to 
escape  his  observation.  Again  she  rose  up  a  few  inches, 
and  their  faces  were  all  turned  away  from  her.  She  gra 
dually  acquired  resolution  to  encounter  any  hardship  or 
peril  that  might  be  the  means  of  effecting  her  escape.  But 
what  plan  was  she  to  adopt?  The  almost  interminable 
plain  of  which  she  was  in  the  midst  afforded  no  hiding- . 
place.  Then,  the  speed  of  the  flying  snow-canoe,  were 
she  to  leap  out,  would  not  only  produce  a  hurtful  collision 
with  the  hard  snow-crust,  but  certainly  cause  her  detection 
The  poor  girl's  heart  sank  within  her,  and,  for  a  time,  she 
reclined  submissively  in  the  canoe,  and  gave  way  to  a  flood 
of  tears.  She  thought  of  her  gray-haired  father,  and  a 
piercing  agony  thrilled  through  her  breast.  And  she 
thought,  too,  of  others — of  Boone,  of  Glenn,  and  her  pangs 
were  hopelessly  poignant.  Thus  she  lay  for  several  long 
hours,  a  prey  to  grief  and  despair.  But  some  pitying  angel 
hovered  over  her,  and  kindly  lessened  her  sufferings.  By 
degrees,  her  mind  became  possessed  of  the  power  of  de 
liberate  and  rational  reflection ;  and  she  was  inspired  with 


The  savage  rushed  upon  her,  entwined  his  left  hand  in  her  flowing  hair,  and, 
waving  his  tomahawk  aloft  with  the  other,  was  in  the  act  of  sinking  the  steel  in 
the  fair  forehead  before  him,  whf  n  the  blow  was  arrested  by  a  mere  stripling,  who 
Came  up  at  the  head  of  the  rest  of  the  Indians. — P.  142. 


"A   NARRATIVE.  143 

the  belief  that  the  savages  only  designed  to  exact  a  heavy 
contribution  from  the  whites  by  her  capture,  and  would 
then  surrender  her  up  without  outrage  or  injury.  Another 
hope,  likewise,  sprang  up  in  her  breast :  it  was,  that  the 
Indian  she  had  been  instrumental  in  releasing  from  cap 
tivity  might  protect  her  person,  and,  perhaps  restore  her 
to  her  father.  She  also  felt  convinced  that  Boone  and 
Glenn  would  join  her  father  in  the  pursuit,  and  she  enter 
tained  a  lively  hope  that  they  would  overtake  her.  But, 
again,  when  she  looked  out  on  the  surface  of  the  snow,  and 
beheld  the  rapidity  of  the  savages'  pace,  this  hope  was  en 
tertained  but  for  a  moment.  She  then  resolved  to  make 
au  effort  herself  to  escape.  If  she  was  not  successful,  it 
would,  at  all  events,  retard  the  progress  of  her  captors,  and 
she  might  also  ascertain,  with  some  degree  of  certainty, 
their  purposes  with  regard  to  her  fate.  She  rose  as  softly 
as  possible  and  sprang  upon  the  snow.  The  Indians,  as 
she  feared,  instantly  felt  the  diminution  of  weight,  and 
halted  so  abruptly  that  every  one  of  them  was  prostrated 
on  the  slippery  snow-crust.  Mary  endeavoured  to  take  ad 
vantage  of  this  occurrence,  aad,  springing  quickly  to  her 
feet,  fled  rapidly  in  the  opposite  direction.  But  before  she 
had  run  many  minutes,  she  heard  the  savages  in  close  pur 
suit  and  gaining  upon  her  at  every  step.  It  was  useless 
to  fly.  She  turned  her  head,  and  beheld  the  whole  party 
within  a  few  paces  of  her.  The  foremost  was  a  tall  ath 
letic  savage,  bearing  in  his  hand  a  tomahawk  he  had 
snatched  from  the  snow-canoe,  and  wearing  a  demoniac 
scowl  on  his  lip.  Mary  scanned  his  face  and  then  turned 
her  eyes  to  heaven.  She  felt  that  her  end  was  near, 
and-  she  breathed  a  prayer  taught  her  by  her  buried 
mother.  The  savage  rushed  upon  her,  entwining  his  left 
hand  in  her  flowing  hair,  and  waving  his  tomahawk  aloft 
with  the  other,  was  in  the  act  t  of  sinking  the  steel  in 
the  fair  forehead  before  him,  when  the  blow  was  arrested 
by  a  mere  stripling,  who  came  up  at  the  head  of  the 
rest  of  the  Indians.  The  Herculean  savage  whirled 
round  and  scowled  passionately  at  the  youth.  The  young 
Indian  (the  chief  just  elected  in  the  place  of  Raven)  regard 
ed  him  a  moment  with  gleaming  eyes,  and  a  determined 
expression  of  feature,  and  then  with  much  dignity  motioned 


144  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

him  away.  The  huge  savage  was  strangely  submissive  in 
a  moment,  and  obeyed  without  a  murmur.  Mary  was  con 
ducted  back  to  the  snow-canoe  by  the  young  chief,  who 
led  her  by 'the  hand,  while -the  rest  walked  behind.  Onco 
the  young  warrior  turned  and  looked  searchingly  in  the 
face  of  his  fair  prize,  and  she  returned  the  gaze  with  an 
instantaneous  conviction  that  no  personal  harm  was  in 
tended  her.  The  chief  was  not  half  so  dark  as  the  rest  of 
his  tribe,  and  his  countenance  was  open,  generous,  and 
noble.  (It  may  seem  improbable  to  the  unthinking  reader 
that  a  timid  and  alarmed  maiden  should  be  able  to  read 
the  character  of  a  foe  by  his  features  under  such  circum 
stances.  But  those  very  circumstances  tended  to  produce 
such  acuteness.  And  this  is  not  only  the  case  with  human 
beings,  but -even  with  dumb  brutes — for,  at  the  moment 
they  are  about  to  be  assailed,  they  invariably  and  instinc 
tively  look  the  assailant  in  the  eye,  mercy  being  the  only 
remaining  hope.)  Again  the  young  warrior  turned  to  be 
hold  his  captive's  face,  and  Mary  was  in  tears.  He  paused 
abruptly,  and,  after  gazing  some  moments  in  silence  and 
deep  thought,  resumed  his  pace.  When  they  reached  the 
snow-canoe,  and  while  in  the  act  of  lifting  his  captive  into 
her  couch,  the  young  chief  observed  for  the  first  time  a 
massive  ring  of  curious  workmanship  on  her  finger  (the 
glove  she  had  hitherto  worn  being  partially  torn  from  her 
hand  in  the  recent  struggle,)  and  seemed  to  regard  it  with 
much  interest.  Mary  saw  that  his  eyes  were  rivetted  on 
the  jewel,  and  notwithstanding  it  possessed  a  hallowed  value 
in  having  been  worn  by  her  mother,  yet  she  felt  that  she 
could  resign  it  to  the  one  who  had  saved  her  life,  and  whose 
noble  bearing,  so  different  from  that  of  the  rest,  promised 
to  shield  her  from  future  harm.  But  he  neither  asked  it  as 
a  gift  nor  tore  it  from  her,  but  turned  away  in  silence,  and 
ordered  the  party  to  proceed.  The  command  was  instantly 
obeyed. 

There  was  another  Indian  that  had  attracted  the  notice 
of  Mary — one  who  studiously  avoided  her  glance  by  con 
stantly  enveloping  his  face  in  his  hairy  robe  whenever  she 
turned  towards  him.  This  he  continued  to  do  until  she  was 
again  seated  in  the  snow-canoe,  and  the  order  was  given  to 
proceed  on  the  journey.  He  then  lingered  behind  the  rest, 
and  throwing  aside  his  mask,  she  saw  before  her  the  savago 


A    NARKATIVE.  145 

that  had  been  thrown  within  the  inclosure  by  tne  explosion 
He  pointed  to  the  north,  the  direction  of  her  home,  and,  by 
sundry  signs  and  grimaces,  made  Mary  understand  that  he 
had  not  been  a  party  to  her  capture,  and  that  he  would 
endeavour  to  effect  her  escape.  He  then  joined  the  others, 
and  the  poor  girl  was  once  more  coursing  over  the  prairie 
more  rapidly  than  ever. 

There  was  now  mingled  with  the  captive  maiden's 
thoughts  another  subject  of  contemplation.  It  was  the 
young  chief.  His  image  seemed  to  be  familiar  to  her 
dreamy  visions,  and  she  often  thought  that  they  had  really 
met  before.  But  when  or  where,  her  memory  failed  to 
designate.  She  was  glad  to  find  herself  so  unexpectedly 
under  the  protection  of  one  so  brave  and  generous,  and 
she  hoped  when  her  father  and  his  friends  should  overtake 
them,  he  might  not  be  hurt  in  the  conflict  that  must  inevi 
tably  ensue. 

The  Indians  long  continued  their  flight  in  silence. 
Scarce  a  word  was  uttered,  until  the  sun  was  sinking  low 
in  the  west.  And  then  Mary  heard  them  speaking  about 
the  place  of  encampment;  for  her  frequent  intercourse 
With  the  savages,  before  the  arrival  of  Glenn  in  the  vicinity, 
had  enabled  her,  as  well  as  her  father,  to  acquire  an  im 
perfect*  knowledge  of  their  language.  But  they  still  swept 
onward,  without  any  diminution  of  speed.  The  chief  had 
probably  objected  to  their  making  a  halt  by  a  shake  of  the 
head,  for  Mary  did  not  hear  him  reply  to  those  who  desired 
to  stop. 

When  the  shades  of  night  fell  around,  and  the  broad  red 
face  of  the  moon  peeped  over  the  eastern  horizon,  the  party 
still  careered  over  the  prairie.  More  than  thirty  miles 
had  been  traversed.  The  Indian  is  more  distinguished  for 
bottom  than  speed,  and  has  been  known  to  pursue  a  victim, 
or  fly  in  the  retreat,  more  than  twenty-four  hours  without 
resting.  But  this  band  had  suffered  much  from  fatigue  be 
fore  they  set  out  with  their  captive.  The  attempt  to  surprise 
the  fort  had  cost  them  both  blood  and  labour,  and  when  the 
moon  had  risen  midway  up  in  the  heavens,  they  again  be 
came  clamorous  for  food  and  rest.  The  chief  then  told  them 
to  turn  from  their  course,  and  in  a  few  minutes  Mary  saw 
lhat  they  were  approaching  a  grove  of  towering  trees.  Ere 
long  they  halted  under  an  enormous  beech,  whose  spreading 

13 


146  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

and  clustering  branches  not  only  greatly  obscured  the  light 
from  above,  but  had  in  a  great  measure  prevented  the  snow 
from  covering  the  earth  at  its  roots.  It  was  not  long  before 
a  fire  was  struck,  and  the  savages  having  scattered  in  every 
direction  in  quest  of  dry  wood  and  bark,  in  a  very  short 
space  of  time  a  large  bright  blaze  flashed  up  in  their  midst, 
around  which  they  spread  their  buffalo  robes  and  commenced 
preparing  their  venison.  Each  one  cooked  for  himself, 
save  the  chief,  who  was  provided  proportionably  by  all. 
He  offered  Mary  a  part  of  his  food,  but  she  declined  it. 
He  then  proffered  to  lift  her  from  the  snow-canoe,  and  place 
her  nearer  the  fire.  This  too  she  declined,  stating  that 
she  was  warm  enough.  She  was  likewise  influenced  in  this 
determination  by  the  gestures  of  the  Indian  whom  she  had 
befriended  the  preceding  night,  who  sat  by  in  apparent  un 
concern,  but  at  every  opportunity,  by  looks  and  signs, 
endeavoured  to  cheer  and  encourage  the  captive  maiden. 

After  a  hearty  repast  the  savages,  with  the  exception  of 
the  chief,  rolled  themselves  in  their  warm,  hairy  robes  be 
fore  the  glowing  fire,  and  were  soon  steeped  in  profound 
slumber.  The  chief  long  reclined  in  a  half-recumbent  at 
titude  on  the  couch  that  had  been  prepared  for  him,  ari<J 
fixing  his  eyes  on  the  glaring  flame,  and  sometimes  on  the 
pale  sad  features  of  Mary,  seemed  to  be  under  the  influ 
ence  of  deep  and  painful  meditations.  -At  times  his  fea 
tures  assumed  a  ferocity  that  caused  Mary  to  start  and 
tremble ;  but  at  others  they  wore  a  mournful  expression, 
and  ever  and  anon  a  tear  rose  up  and  glistened  in  his  eye. 
Thus  he  sat  for  more  than  an  hour  after  all  the  rest  were 
sunk  in  motionless  slumber.  Finally  his  bedecked  head, 
adorned  with  a  profusion  of  rich  and  rare  feathers,  sunk 
by  degrees  on  the  rude  pillow,  and  he  too  was  soon  wan 
dering  in  the  land  of  dreams. 

But  sleep  brooded  not  upon  the  watchful  lids  of  Mary. 
She  gazed  in  silence  at  the  wild  savage  scene  before  her. 
The  uncouth  beings  who  had  so  recently  hooted  and  yelled 
like  sanguinary  demons,  with  intent  to  slay  and  pillage, 
around  her  father,  her  friends  and  herself,  now  lay  motion 
less,  though  free  and  still  hostile,  within  a  few  feet  of  her, 
and  she  was  their  captive  !  She  thought  of  her  humble  but 
peaceful  home,  and  sighed  bitterly.  And  she  thought,  too, 
of  her  distressed  friends,  and  she  was  the  more  distressed 


A    NARRATIVE.  147 

from  the  consciousness  that  they  sympathized  with  he* 
Bufferings.  Poor  girl !  She  looked  at  the  dark  brows  and 
compressed  lips  of  her  captors  as  the  fitful  flashes  of  the 
flatres  threw  a  bright  ray  upon  them,  and,  in  despite  of  the 
man^  hopes  she  had  entertained,  she  was  horror-stricken 
to  contemplate  the  reality  of  her  sad  predicament. 

At  a  late  and  solemn  hour,  the  Indian  who  had  been  the 
captive  the  night  before,  suddenly  ceased  his  snoring,  which 
had  been  heard  without  intermission  for  a  great  length  of 
time  ;  and  when  Mary  instinctively  cast  her  eyes  towards 
him,  she  was  surprised  to  see  him  gently  and  slowly  raise 
his  head.  He  enjoined  silence  by  placing  his  hand  upon 
his  mouth  After  carefully  disengaging  himself  from  hirf 
comrades,  he  crept  quietly  away,  and  soon  vanished  entirely 
from  sight  on  the  northern  side  of  the  spreading  beech. 
Mary  expected  he  would  soon  return  and  assist  her  to  escape. 
Although  she  was  aware  of  the  hardships  and  perils  that 
would  attend  her  flight,  yet  the  thought  of  again  meeting 
her  friends  was  enough  to  nerve  her  for  the  undertaking, 
and  she  waited  with  anxious  impatience  the  coming  of  her 
rescuer.  But  he  came  not.  She  could  attribute  no  other 
design  in  his  conduct  but  that  of  effecting  her  escape,  and 
yet  re  neither  came  for  her  nor  beckoned  her  away.  She 
had  reposed  confidence  in  his  promise,  for  she  knew  that 
the  Indian,  savage  as  he  was,  rarely  forfeited  his  word ;  but 
when  gratitude  inspired  a  pledge,  she  could  not  believe 
that  he  would  use  deceit.  The  fire  was  now  burning  quite 
low,  and  its  waning  light  scarce  cast  a  beam  upon  the 
branches  over  head.  It  was  evidently  not  far  from  morn 
ing,  and  every  hope  of  present  escape  entirely  fled  from  her 
bosom.  But  just  as  she  was  yielding  to  despair,  she  saw 
the  Indian  returning  in  a  stealthy  pace,  bearing  some  dark 
object  in  his  arms.  He  glided  to  her  side,  and  beckoned  her 
to  leave  the  snow-canoe,  and  also  to  take  with  her  all  the 
robes  with  which  she  had  been  enveloped.  She  did  his 
bidding,  and  then  he  carefully  deposited  the  burden  he  bore 
in  the  place  she  had  just  occupied.  A  portion  of  the  ob 
ject  becoming  unwrapped,  Mary  discovered  it  to  be  a  huge 
mass  of  snow,  resembling,  in  some  respects,  a  human  form, 
and  the  Indian's  stratagem  was  at  once  apparent  to  her 
Relinquishing  herself  to  his  guidance,  she  was  led  noise 
lessly  through  the  bushes  about  a,  hundred  paces  distant 


'148  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

from  the  fire,  to  a  large  fallen  tree  that  had  yielded  to  some 
furious  storm,  when  her  conductor  paused.  He  pointed  to 
a  spot  where  a  curve  caused  the  huge  trunk  to  rise  about 
a  foot  from  the  present  surface,  under  which  was  a 
round  hole  cut  through  the  drifted  snow  down  to  the  earth, 
and  in  which  were  deposited  several  buffalo  robes,  and  so 
arranged  that  a  person  could  repose  within  without  coming 
in  contact  with  the  frozen  element  around.  Mary  looked 
down,  and  then  at  her  companion,  to  ascertain  his  inten 
tions.  He  spoke  to  her  in  a  low  tone,  enough  of  which  she 
comprehended  to  understand  that  he  desired  her  to  descend 
into  the  pit  without  delay.  She  obeyed,  and  when  he  had 
carefully  folded  the  robes  and  divers  furs  about  her  body, 
he  stepped  a  few  paces  to  one  side,  and  gently  lifting  up  a 
round  lid  of  snow  crust,  placed  it  over  the  aperture.  It 
h:id  been  so  smoothly  cut,  and  fitted  with  such  preusion 
when  replaced,  that  no  one  would  have  been  able  to  dis 
cover  that  an  incision  had  been  made.  He  then  bade  Mary 
a  "  Dud  by"  in  bad  English,  and  set  off  in  a  run  in  a 
northern  direction  for  the  purpose  of  jgining  the  whites. 

Long  and  interminable  seemed  Mary's  confinement  to 
her,  but  she  was  entirely  comfortable  in  her  hiding-place, 
as  respected  her  body.  Yet  many  dreadful  apprehensions 
oppressed  her  still.  She  feared  that  the  Indians  would  soon 
ascertain  that  she  had  left  the  canoe,  and  return  and  dis 
cover  her  place  of  concealment.  At  times  she  thought  of 
the  wild  beasts  prowling  around,  and  feared  they  would 
devour  her  before  assistance  came.  But  the  most  harrow 
ing  fear  was  that  the  friendly  Indian  would  abandon  her  to 
her  fate  or  perhaps  be  killed,  without  making  known  her 
locality  and  helpless  condition  !  Thus  was  she  a  prey  to 
painful  apprehensions  and  worrying  reflections,  until  from 
exhaustion  she  sank  into  an  unquiet  and  troubled  slumber. 

With  the  first  light  of  morning,  the  war-party  sprang  to 
their  feet,  and  hastily  dispatching  a  slight  repast,  they  set 
out  on  their  journey  with  renewed  animation  and  increased 
rapidity.  Before  starting,  the  chief  called  to  Mary,  and 
again  offered  some  food  ;  but  no  reply  being  returned,  or 
motion  discovered  under  the  robe  which  he  imagined  en 
veloped  her,  he  supposed  she  was  sleeping,  and  directed 
:he  party  to  select  the  most  even  route  when  they  emerged 


A    NARRATIVE. 

in  the  prairie,  that  she  might  as  much  as  possible  enjoy  her 
repose. 

The  Indian  who  had  planned  and  executed  the  escape  of 
Mary,  with  the  well-devised  cunning  for  which  the  lace  id 
proverbial,  had  told  his  companions  that  he  would  rise  he- 
fore  day  and  pursue  the  same  direction  they  were  going  in 
advance  of  them,  and  endeavour  to  kill  a  deer  for  their 
next  night's  meal.  Thus  his  absence  created  no  suspicion 
and  the  party  continued  their  precipitate  retreat. 

But,  about  noon,  after  casting  many  glances  back  at  the 
supposed  form  of  the  captive  reclining  peacefully  in  the 
snow-canoe,  the  chief,  with  much  excitement,  betrayed  by 
his  looks,  which  seemed  to  be  mingled  with  an  apprehen 
sion  that  she  was  dead,  abruptly  ordered  the  party  to  halt. 
He  sprang  to  the  canoe,  and  convulsively  tearing  away  the 
skins  discovered  only  the  roll  of  snow !  He  at  first  com 
pressed  his  lips  in  momentary  rage,  and  then  burst  into  a 
fit  of  irrepressible  laughter.  But  the  rest  raved  and  stamped, 
and  uttered  direful  imprecations  and  threats  of  vengeance. 
Immediately  they  were  aware  of  the  treachery  of  the  absent 
Indian,  and  resolved  with  one  voice  that  his  blood  should 
be  an  atonement  for  the  act.  Their  thoughts  had  dwelt  too 
fondly  on  the  shining  gold  they  were  to  get  in  exchange 
for  the  maiden,  for  them  ever  to  forgive  the  recreant  brother 
who  had  snatched  the  prize  from  them.  The  chief  soon 
recovered  his  usual  grave  expression,  and  partook  in  some 
measure  the  general  disappointment  and  chagrin.  His 
motives  were  not  of  the  same  mercenary  cast  which  actu 
ated  his  tribe,  nor  did  he  condemn  the  conduct  of  the  one 
who  had  rescued  the  maid,  being  aware  of  the  clemency 
extended  him  when  in  the  power  of  the  enemy;  but  the 
thought  of  being  outwitted  and  thwarted  roused  his  anger, 
and  he  determined  to  recover  the  lost  captive,  if  possible. 

The  snow  was  quickly  thrown  out,  and  the  war-party 
adjusted  their  weapons,  with  the  expectation  of  encounter 
ing  the  whites;  and  then  whirling  about  they  retraced  their 
steps  oven  more  swiftly  than  they  had  been  advancing.  Just 
as  the  night  was  setting  in,  they  came  in  sight  of  the  grove 
where  they  had  encamped.  They  slackened  their  pace, 
and  looking  eagerly  forward,  seemed  to  think  it  not  improba 
ble  that  the  whites  had  arrived  in  the  vicinity,  and  might 
be  lying  in  ambush  awaiting  their  return  in  search  of  the 

!§* 


150  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

maid.  They  then  abandoned  the  canoe,  after  Laving  con 
cealed  it  under  some  low  bushes,  and  entered  the  grove  in 
a  stooping  and  watchful  posture.  Ere  long  the  chief  at 
tained  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  the  spreading  tree, 
and  with  an  arrow  drawn  to  its  head,  crept  within  a  few 
paces  of  the  spot  where  he  had  lain -the  preceding  night. 
His  party  were  mostly  a  few  feet  in  the  rear,  while  a  few 
ver?  approaching  in  the  same  manner  from  the  opposite 
lirection.  Hearing  no  sound  whatever,  he  rose  up  slowly, 
nd  with  an  "  Ugh"  of  disappointment,  strode  carelessly 
across  the  silent  and  untenanted  place  of  encampment. 

Vexation  and  anger  were  expressed  by  the  savages  in 
being  thus  disappointed.  They  hoped  to  wreak  their  ven 
geance  on  the  whites,  and  had  resolved  to  recapture  the 
maiden.  Where  they  expected  to  find  them,  the  scene  was 
silent  and  desolate.  And  they  now  sauntered  about  under 
the  trees  in  the  partial  light  of  the  moon  that  struggled 
through  the  matted  branches,  threatening  in  the  most  hor 
rid  manner  the  one  who  had  thus  baffled  them.  Some 
struck  their  tomahawks  into  the  trunks  of  trees,  while  others 
brandished  their  knives,  and  uttered  direful  yells.  The 
young  chief  stood  in  silence,  with  his  arms  folded  on  his 
breast.  A  small  ray  of  light  that  fell  upon  his  face  ex 
hibited  a  meditative  brow,  and  features  expressing  both 
firmness  and  determination.  He  had  said  that  the  captive 
should  be  regained,  and  his  followers  ever  and  anon  re 
garded  his  thoughtful  attitude  with  the  confidence  that  his 
decision  would  accelerate  the  accomplishment  of  their  de 
sires.  Long  he  remained  thus,  motionless  and  dignified, 
and  no  one  dared  to  address  him.  [He  had  been  elected 
chief  by  acclamation,  after  the  death  of  Raven.  He  was 
not  an  Osage  by  birth,  but  had  been  captured  from  one  of 
the  neighbouring  tribes  (the  Pawnee)  when  only  six  years 
oiu.  His  bravery,  as  he  grew  up,  had  elicited  the  admira 
tion  of  the  whole  tribe,  and  it  had  long  been  settled  that 
he  should  succeed  Raven.  His  complexion  was  many  de 
grees  lighter  than  that  of  the  Osages,  or  even  that  of  the 
Pawnees,  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  paint  and  stains  with 
which  the  warriors  decorate  their  faces,  he  might  have 
passed,  if  properly  attired,  for  an  American.  When  tuken 
in  battle  he  was  saved  from  the  torture  by  a  young  Indian 
maiden.  She  procured  his  release,  an4  he  refused  to  return 


A   NARRATIVE.  15i 

to  his  own  nation.  He  said  that  he  was  no  Pawnee,  and 
when  asked  to  what  nation  he  belonged,  he  either  couH 
not  or  would  not  reply,  but  said  he  was  satisfied  to  hunt 
and  fight  with  any  tribe,  and  if  the  chief  would  give  him 
his  daughter  (the  one  that  saved  his  life,)  he  would  be  an 
Osage.  It  was  done,  and  his  brave  exploits  soon  won  for 
him  the  title  of  the  "Young  Eagle."] 

The  young  chief  called  one  of  the  oldest  of  the  party, 
who  was  standing  a  few  paces  distant  absorbed  in  thought, 
to  his  side,  and  after  a  short  conference  the  old  savage 
prostrated  himself  on  the  snow,  and  endeavoured  like  a 
hound  to  scent  the  tracks  of  his  recreant  brother.  At  first 
he  met  with  no  success,  but  when  making  a  wide  circuit 
round  the  premises,  still  applying  his  nose  to  the  ground 
occasionally,  and  minutely  examining  the  bushes,  he  paused 
abruptly,  and  announced  to  the  party  that  he  had  found 
the  precise  direction  taken  by  the  maid  and  her  deliverer. 
Instantly  they  all  clustered  round  him,  evincing  the  most 
intense  interest.  Some  smelt  the  surface  of  the  snow,  and 
others  examined  the  bushes.  Small  twigs,  not  larger  than 
pins,  were  picked  up  and  closely  scrutinized.  They  well 
knew  that  any  one  passing  through  the  frozen  and  clustered 
bushes  must  inevitably  sever  some  of  the  twigs  and  buds. 
Their  progress  was  slow,  but  unerring.  The  course  they 
pursued  was  the  direction  taken  by  Mary  and  her  rescuer. 
It  was  not  long  before  they  arrived  within  a  few  feet  of  the 
place  of  the  maiden's  concealment.  But  now  they  were 
at  fault.  There  were  no  bushes  immediately  around  the 
fallen  tree.  They  paused,  the  chief  in  the  van,  with  their 
bows  and  arrows  and  tomahawks  in  readiness  for  instant 
use.  They  knew  that  the  maiden  could  not  return  to  her 
friends  on  foot,  or  the  treacherous  savage  be  able  to  bear 
her  far  on  his  shoulder.  They  thought  that  one  or  both 
must  be  concealed  somewhere  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  the 
fallen  tree,  were  it  hollow,  was  the  place  most  likely  to  be 
selected  for  that  purpose.  After  scanning  the  fallen  trunk 
a  few  minutes  in  silence,  and  discovering  nothing  to  realize 
their  hopes,  they  uttered  a  terrific  yell,  and  commenced 
striking  their  tomahawks  in  the  wood,  and  ripping  up  the 
bark  in  quest  of  some  hiding-place.  But  their  search  was 
in  vain.  The  fallen  trunk  was  sound  and  solid  throughout, 
and  the  young  chief  sat  down  on  it  within  three  paces  of 


152  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

Mary!     Others,  in  passing  about,  frequently  trod  on  the 
very  verge  of  the  concealed  pit. 

Mary  was  awakened  by  the  yell  but  knew  not  that  the 
sound  came  from  her  enemies.  The  Indian  had  told  her 
that  he  would  soon  return,  and  her  heart  now  fluttered  with 
the  hope  that  her  father  and  her  friends  were  at  hand.  Yet 
Bhe  prudently  determined  not  to  rush  from  her  concealment 
until  she  was  better  assured  of  the  fact.  She  did  not  think 
the  savages  would  suspect  that  she  was  hid  under  the  snow, 
but  yet  she  thought  it  very  strange  that  her  father  did  not 
come  to  her  at  once.  Several  minutes  had  elapsed  since 
she  had  been  startled  by  the  sounds  in  the  immediate  vici 
nity.  She  heard  the  tramp  of  men  almost  directly  over 
her  head,  and  the  strokes  against  the  fallen  trunk.  She 
was  several  times  on  the  eve  of  rising  up,  but  was  as  often 
withheld  by  some  mysterious  impulse.  She  endeavoured  to 
reflect  calmly,  but  still  she  could  not,  by  any  mode  of  con 
jecture  realize  the  probability  of  her  foes  having  returned 
and  traced  her  thither.  Yet  an  undefinable  fear  still  pos 
sessed  her,  and  she  endeavoured  with  patience  to  await  the 
pleasure  of  her  friends.  But  when  the  chief  seated  himself 
in  her  vicinity,  and  fell  into  one  of  his  fits  of  abstraction,  and 
the  whole  party  became  comparatively  still  and  hushed,  the 
poor  girl's  suspense  was  almost  insufferable.  She  knew 
thai;  human  beings  were  all  around  her,  and  yet  her  situa 
tion  ivas  truly  pitiable  and  lonely.  She  felt  assured  that  if 
the  war  party  had  returned  in  pursuit  of  her,  the  same 
means  which  enabled  them  to  trace  their  victim  to  the  fallen 
trunk  would  likewise  have  sufficed  to  indicate  her  hiding- 
place.  Then  why  should  she  hesitate  ?  The  yells  that 
awakened  her  had  not  been  heard  distinctly,  and  under  the 
circumstances  she  could  not  believe  that  she  was  surrounded 
by  savages.  On  the  other  hand,  if  they  were  her  friends, 
why  did  they  not  relieve  her?  Now  a  sudden,  but,  alas! 
erroneous  thought  occurred  to  her.  She  was  persuaded 
that  they  were  her  friends,  but  that  the  friendly  Indian  was 
not  with  them — he  had  perhaps  directed  them  where  she 
could  be  found,  and  then  returned  to  his  home.  Might  not 
her  friends,  at  that  moment,  be  anxiously  searching  for  her? 
Would  not  one  word  suffice  to  dispel  their  solicitude,  and 
restore  the  lost  one  to  their  arms?  She  resolved  to  speak. 
Bowing  down  her  head  slightly,  t-o  that  her  precise  locatiot 


A   NARRATIVE.  168 

might  not  \AAti  ntly  be  ascertained,  she  uttered  in  a  soft 
voice  the  word  "FATHER!"  The  chief  sprang  from  hia 
Beat,  and  the  party  was  instantly  in  commotion.  Some  o* 
the  savage's  looked  above,  among  the  twining  branches,  and 
some  shot  their  arrows  in  the  snow,  but  fortunately  not  in 
the  direction  of  Mary,  while  others  ran  about  in  every  di 
rection,  examining  all  the  large  trees  in  the  vicinity.  The 
chief  was  amazed  and  utterly  confounded.  He  drew  not 
forth  an  arrow,  nor  brandished  a  tomahawk.  While  ho 
thus  stood,  and  the  rest  of  the  party  were  moving  hur 
riedly  about  a  few  paces  distant,  Mary  again  repeated  the 
word  "  FATHER  !"  As  suddenly  as  if  by  enchantmen  t  every 
savage  was  paralyzed.  Each  stood  as  devoid  of  animation 
as  a  statue.  For  many  moments  an  intense  silence  reigned, 
as  if  naught  existed  there  but  the  cheerless  forest  trees. 
Slowly,  at  length,  the  tomahawk  was  returned  to  the  belt, 
and  the  arrow  to  the  quiver.  No  longer  was  a  desire  to 
spill  blood  manifested.  The  dusky  children  of  the  forest 
attributed  to  the  mysterious  sound  a  supernatural  agency. 
They  believed  it  was  a  voice  from  the  perennial  hunting- 
grounds.  Humbly  they  bowed  their  heads,  and  whispered 
devotions  to  the  Great  Spirit.  The  young  chief  alone 
stood  erect.  He  gazed  at  the  round  moon  above  him,  and 
sighs  burst  from  his  breast,  and  burning  tears  ran  down  hia 
stained  cheek.  Impatiently,  by  a  motion  of  the  hand,  he 
directed  the  savages  to  leave  him,  and  when  they  withdrew 
he  resumed  his  seat  on  the  fallen  trunk,  and  reclined  hia 
brow  upon  his  hand.  One  of  the  long  feathers  that  decked 
his  head  waved  forward,  after  he  had  been  seated  thus  a 
few  minutes,  and  when  his  eye  rested  upon  it  he  started  up 
wildly,  and  tearing  it  away,  trampled  it  under  his  feet. 
At  that  instant  the  same  "  FATHER  !"  was  again  heard. 
The  young  chief  fell  upon  his  knees,  and,  while  he  panted 
convulsively,  said, -in  ENGLISH,  '•'•Father!  Mother!  TmyouT 
poor  William — you  loved  me  much — where  are  you  ?  Oh 
tell  me-— I  will  come  to  you — I  want  to  see  you!"  He 
then  fell  prostrate  and  groaned  piteously.  "Father!  oh! 
where  are  you?  Whose  voice  was  that?"  said  Mary, 
"fcreaking  through  the  slight  incrustation  that  obscured  her, 
and  leaping  from  her  covert. 

The  young  chief  sprang  from  the  earth — gazed  a  moment 
dt  the  maid — spoke  rapidly  and  loudly  in  the  language  of 


154  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

his  trifco  to  his  party,  who  were  now  at  the  place  of  en 
campment,  seated  by  the  fire  they  had  kindled — and  then, 
seizing  his  tomahawk,  was  in  the  act  of  hurling  it  at  Mary, 
when  the  yells  of  the  war-party  and  the  ringing  discharges 
of  firearms  arrested  his  steel  when  brandished  in  the  air. 
The  white  .men  had  arrived  !  The  young  chief  seized  Mary 
by  her  long  flowing  hair — again  prepared  to  level  the  fatal 
blow — when  she  turned  her  face  upwards,  and  he  again 
hesitated.  Discharges  in  quick  succession,  and  nearer 
than  tefore,  still  rang  in  his  ears.  Mary  strove  not  to 
escape.  Nor  did  the  Indian  strike.  The  whites  were 
heard  rushing  through  the  bushes — the  chief  seized  the 
trembling  girl  in  his  arms — a  bullet  whizzed  by  his  head — • 
but,  unmindful  of  danger,  he  vanished  among  the  dark 
bushes  with  his  burden. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Joe's  malposition — His  cure — Sneak's  reformation — The  pursuit — The 
captivo  hidih,n — Approach  to  the  encampment  of  the  savages — Joe's 
illness  t. gain  —1  he  surprise — The  terrific  encounter — Rescue  of  Mary 
. — Capture  of  tlu  young  chief — The  return. 

WE  return  to  vae  white  men.  The  grief  of  Roughgrove, 
and  of  all  the  pa»  ty,  when  it  was  ascertained  beyond  n 
doubt  that  Mary  hud  been  carried  off  by  the  savages,  was 
deep  and  poignant.  The  aged  ferryman  sat  silent  and 
alone,  and  would  not  be  comforted,  while  the  rest  made 
the  necessary  arrangements  to  pursue  the  foe.  The  sled 
was  so  altered  that  blankets,  buffalo  robes,  and  a  small 
quantity  of  food  could  be  taken  in  it.  Bullets  were  moulded 
and  the  guns  put  in  order.  Joe  was  ordered  to  give  the 
horses  water,  and  place  a  large  quantity  of  provender 
within  their  reach.  The  hounds  were  fed  and  then  led 
back  to  their  kennel,  and  Glenn  announced,  after  Rough- 
grove  declared  his  determination  to  go  along,  that  Ring' 
Wooi  and  Jowler  alone  would  be  left  to  guard  the  premises. 


i    NARRATIVE.  1 55 

"My  goodness!"  said  Joe,  when  he  understood  that  lie 
was  expected  to  make  one  of  the  pursuing  party,  "  I  can't 
go !  My  head's  so  sore,  and  aches  so  bad,  T  couldn't  go 
ten  miles  before  I'd  have  to  give  up.  Let  me  stay,  Mr. 
Glenn,  and  take  care  of  the  house." 

"  Do  you  forget  that  Mary  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Indians  ? 
Would  you  hesitate  even  to  die,  while  striving  to  rescue  a 
poor,  innocent,  helpless  maiden  ?  For  shame  !"  replied 
Glenn. 

"I'd  spill  my  heart's  blood  for  her,"  said  Joe,  "if  it 
would  do  any  good.  But  you  know  how  I  was  crippled 
last  night,  and  I  didn't  sleep  a  bit  afterwards,  hardly." 

"  Dod" — commenced  Sneak. 

"  Joe,"  said  Boone,  "  from  the  vigorous  manner  in  which 
you  fought  the  wolves,  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  your 
present  scruples  are  not  well  founded.  We  will  need  every 
man  we  can  obtain." 

"Oh,  I  wouldn't  mind  it  at  all,"  said  Joe,  "if  it  wasn't 
that  you're  a  going  to  start  right  off  now.  If  I  only  had 
a  little  sleep " 

"  You  shall  have  it,"  said  Boone.  Both  Glenn  and 
Roughgrove  looked  inquiringly  at- the  speaker.  "  We  will 
not  start  to-night,"  continued  he.  "  It  would  be  useless. 
We  could  not  overtake  them,  and  if  we  did,  it  would  cause 
them  to  put  Mary  to  death,  that  they  might  escape  our 
vengeance  the  more  easily.  I  have  duly  considered  the 
matter.  We  must  rest  here  to-night,  and  rise  refreshed  in 
the  morning.  We  will  then  set  out  on  their  trail,  and  I 
solemnly  pledge  my  word  never  to  return  without  bringing 
the  poor  child  back  unharmed." 

"  I  hope  my  head  '11  be  well  by  morning,"  said  Joe. 

"  I  know  it  will  be  well  enough,"  said  Glenn  ;  "  so  you 
need  entertain  no  hope  of  being  left  behind." 

"  Now,  Sneak  a  word  with  you,"  said  Boone.  "I  think 
you  would  do  almost  any  thing  for  my  sake " 

"  If  I  wouldn't,  I  wish  I  may  be  dod " 

"  Stop  !"  continued  Boone,  interrupting  him. 

"Jest  ax  me  to  cut  off  my  little  finger,"  said  Sneak, 
"  and  if  I  don't  do  it,  I  wish  I  may  be  dod " 

"Stop!"  again  interposed  Boone.  "My  first  request 
is  one  that  poor  Mary  asked  me  to  make.  I  know  it  will 
be  a  severe  trial." 


156  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"Name  it,"  cried  Sneak,  "and  if  it's  to  job  out  cm  of 
my  eyes,  dod  rot  me  if  I  don't  do  it  !" 

" Hear  me,"  continued  Boone  ;  "she  desired  me  to  ask 
you  not  to  use  that  ugly  word  dod-rot  any  more." 

"  Hay !"  exclaimed  Sneak,  his  eye?  dilating,  and  his 
tnouth  falling  wide  open. 

"I  know  it  will  be  a  hard  matter,"  said  Boone;  "but 
Mary  thinks  you  have  a  good  and  brave  heart,  and  she 
says  you  are  the  only  one  among  us  that  uses  bad  worls." 

"  I'd  go  my  death  for  that  gal,  or  any  other  female  wo 
man  in  the  settlement,  any  day  of  my  life.  And  as  she 
wants  me  to  swaller  them  words,  that  was  born  with  me, 
dod — I  mean,  I  wish  I  may  be — indeed,  I'll  be  starved  to 
death  if  I  don't  do  it !  only  when  I'm  raven  mad  at  some 
thing,  and  then  I  can't  help  it." 

"  Very  well,"  said  Boone.  "Now  I  have  a  request  of  my 
own  to  make " 

"Sing  it  out!  dod — no — nothing!  I  didn't  say  it — but 
I'll  do  what  you  want  me  to,"  said  Sneak. 

"  I  think  you  will  not  suffer  for  the  want  of  sleep,"  con 
tinued  Boone  ;  "  and  I  wish  you  to  go  out  and  get  as  many 
of  the  neighbours  to  join  us  as  possible.  You  can  go  to 
three  or  four  houses  by  midnight,  sleep  a  little,  and  meet 
us  here,  or  in  the  prairie,  in  the  morning." 

"  I  shall  cut  stick — if  I  don't  I  wish  I  may  be  do — I — 
indeed  I  will !"  and  before  he  ceased  speaking  he  was 
rushing  through  the  gate. 

The  little  party  then  took  a  hasty  repast,  and,  throwing 
themselves  on  the  couches,  endeavoured  to  sleep.  Boonb 
and  Joe  were  soon  wrapped  in  slumber ;  but  neither 
Roughgrove  nor  Glenn,  for  a  great  length  of  time,  could 
find  repose. 

"Strive  to  be  composed,  my  friend;  all  will  be  well," 
said  Glenn,  when  the  disconsolate  old  ferryman  gave  vent 
to  numerous  heart-rending  sighs. 

"If  you  o.nly  knew"  —  commenced  Roughgrove,  in 
reply,  and  the  words  he  was  about  to  utter  died  upon  his 
tips. 

"  I  can  well  imagine  the  extent  of  your  bereavement," 
said  Glenn ;  "  but  at  the  same  time  I  am  sure  she  will  be 
returned  to  you  unharmed." 

**  It  was  not  Mary  alone  I  alluded  to,"  said  Roughgrove ; 


A   NARRATIVE.  151 

"but  to  lose  two  children — all  that  we  had — so  cruelly — 
Oh  !  may  we  all  meet  in  heaven  !" 

"  Then  you  had  two  childen,  and  lost  them  both  ?  1 
never  heard  the  other  mentioned,"  said  Glenn,  now  evinc 
ing  a  most  lively  interest  in  the  subject. 

"  No — it  was .  my  request  that  it  should  never  be  men 
tioned.  Mary  and  he  were  twins — only  six  years  old,  when 
he  was  lost.  I  wislied  Mary  to  forget  entirely  that  she  ever 
had  a  brother — it  could  do  no  good  for  her  to  know  it,  and 
would  distress  her.  But  now,  Heavenly  Father  !  both  are 
gone  !"  added  the  old  man,  in  tears. 

"  Was  he,  too,  taken  by  the  Indians  ?  the  Osages?"  in 
quired  Glenn. 

"  No,"  said  Roughgrove.  "  He  had  been  playing  on 
the  margin  of  the  river,  and  we  were  compelled  to  believe 
that  he  fell  in  the  stream  and  was  drowned — at  a  time  when 
no  eye  was  upon  him.  Mary  was  near  at  hand,  but  she 
did  not  see  him  fall,  nor  could  she  tell  how  he  disappeared. 
His  poor  mother  believed  that  an  Indian  stole  him  away. 
But  the  only  Indians  then  in  the  neighbourhood  were  the 
Pawnees,  and  they  were  at  that  time  friendly.  He  was 
surely  drowned.  If  the  Pawnees  had  taken  him,  they 
would  soon  have  proposed  a  ransom.  Yet  his  mother  con 
tinually  charged  them  with  the  deed.  In  her  dreams  she 
over  saw  him  among  the  savages.  In  all  her  thoughts  it 
was  the  same.  She  pined  away — she  never  knew  a  happy 
moment  afterwards — and  when  she  died,  the  same  belief  was 
uttered  in  her  last  words.  I  am  now  alone !"  The  old 
man  covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  and  sobbed  audibly. 

"Bear  with  patience  and  resignation,"  said  Glenn,  "the 
dispensations  of  an  all-wise  Providence.  All  may  yet  be 
well.  The  son,  whom  you  thought  lost  forever,  may  be 
living,  and  possibly  reclaimed,  and  Mary  shall  be  restored, 
if  human  efforts  can  accomplish  it.  Cheer  up.  Many  a 
happy  day  may  still  be  reserved  for  you." 

"  Oh !  my  dear  young  friend !  if  you  but  knew  all!"  said 
lloughgrove. 

"  Do  I  not  now  know  all  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"No,"  replied  the  old  man;  "but  the  rest  must  remain 
&  secret — it  should,  perhaps,  be  buried  in  my  breast  forever ! 
I  will  now  strive  to  sleep."  They  ceased  to  speak,  ana 
lilence  reigned  till  morning. 

.4 


153  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

Joe  was  roused  from  his  couch  in  the  morning  by  a  tre« 
mcndoas  "  Ya-hoy  !"  outside  of  the  inclosure. 

"Run  and  open  the  gate,"  said  Glenn. 

"  I'd  rather  not,"  said  Joe,  rubbing  his  eyes. 

"Why?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  Hang  it,  it's  the  Indians  again !"  replied  Joe,  eeizmg 
his  musket. 

>'It  is  Sneak  and  his  men,"  observed  Boone,  when 
another  shout  was  uttered. 

"  Hang  me,  if  I  don't  have  a  peep  at  'em  first,  anyhow," 
said  Joe,  approaching  the  gate  cautiously,  and  peering 
through  a  small  crevice. 

"  Ya-hoo  !"  repeated  those  without. 

"Who  are  you?  why  don't  you  speak  out?"  said  Joe, 
Btill  unable  to  see  their  faces. 

"  Dod — I  mean — plague  take  it !  Joe,  is  Mr.  Boone 
standing  there  with  you  ?"  asked  Sneak. 

"  No,"  replied  Joe,  opening  the  gate. 

"  Then  dod  rot  your  hide  !  why  didn't  you  let  us  in  ?" 
said  Sneak,  rushing  through  the  gate,  and  followed  by  five 
of  the  neighbours. 

"Why,  Sneak,  how  could  I  tell  that  you  wern't  Indians?" 
said  Joe. 

"You  be  dod — never  mind!"  continued  Sneak,  shaking 
his  head,  and  passing  to  where  Boone  stood,  near  the 
house. 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you  all,"  said  Boone,  extending  his 
hand  to  each  of  the  hardy  pioneers.  "  But  let  us  not  waste 
a  moment's  time.  I  see  you  are  all  armed.  Seize  hold  of  the 
sled-rope,  and  let  us  be  off."  The  command  was  instantly 
obeyed,  and  the  party  were  soon  passing  out  of  the  inclosure. 
The  gate  was  scarce  fastened  before  another  "Ya-hoo!" 
came  from  the  valley  below,  and  a  moment  after  they  were 
joined  by  Col.  Copper  and  Dan.  The  other  oarsman  had 
been  sent  up  the  river  for  reinforcements,  and  Col.  Cooper 
and  Dan  having  heard  the  great  explosion,  finally  resolved 
to  cross  over  the  river,  and  not  await  the  arrival  of  the 
trappers. 

The  party  now  amounted  to  twelve,  and  no  time  was 
lost  in  commencing  the  march,  or  rather  the  chasf ;  for  when 
they  reached  the  prairie  and  found  the  trail  of  the  snow- 
canoe,  their  progress  equalled  that  of  the  savages.  But 


A    NARRATIVE.  159 

they  had  not  gone  far  before  Joe  was  taken  suddenly  ill, 
an<l  begged  to  be  permitted  to  return. 

••'I  declare  I  can  hardly  hold  my  head  up!"  said  he, 
BtiB  holding  on  to  the  rope,  and  keeping  pace  with  the  rest, 
though  his  head  hung  down. 

"  Tossomin' — dod — I  mean  he's  jest  'possomin',"  said 
Sneak. 

"Nov  indeed  I  ain't — plague  it,  don't  you  say  any  thing, 
Sneak,"  Joe,  added,  in  an  undertone. 

"I  am  something  of  a  physician,"  said  Boone,  whose 
quick  ear  nad  caught  the  words  addressed  to  Sneak.  "Let 
me  feel  your  pulse,"  he  added,  ordering  the  party  to  halt, 
and  turning  to  Joe,  whose  wrist  he  seized. 

"  I  feel  something  better,"  said  Joe,  alarmed  at  the  mys 
terious  and  severe  expression  of  Boone's  face. 

"I  hope  yon  will  be  entirely  well  in  two  minutes,"  said 
Boone ;  "  and  »hen  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  apply  my 
remedy." 

"I'm  about  well  now,"  said  Joe:  "I  think  I  can  go 
ahead." 

"  I  believe  your  pulse  is  good  now ;  and  I  think  you 
will  hardly  have  another  attack  to-day.  If  you  do,  just 
let  me  know  it." 

"  Oh,  now  I  feel,  perfectly  well,"  responded  Joe ;  and, 
seizing  the  rope,  they  were  all  soon  again  flying  along  on 
the  trail  of  the  savages. 

A  little  before  noon,  while  casting  his  eyes  along  the 
dim  horizon  in  advance,  Sneak  abruptly  paused,  causing 
the  rest  to  do  likewise,  and  exclaimed,  "  Dod  rot  it." 

"  What's  the  matter,  Sneak  ?  Remember  the  promise 
you  made,"  said  Boone. 

"Oh,"  replied  Sneak,  "in  sich  an  extronary  case  as 
this,  I  can't  help  saying  that  word  yet  awhile.  But  look 
yander !"  he  continued,  pointing  to  a  slight  eminence  a 
great  distance  in  advance. 

"  True  !"  said  Boone,  "  that  is  an  Indian — but  it  is  the 
only  one  hereabouts." 

"  He  is  coming  to  meet  us,"  said  Glenn. 

"  Yes !  my  goodness !  he's  looking  at  us  now."  cried 
Joe,  retreating  a  few  steps. 

"  If  there  are  more  of  them  watching  us,"  said  CoL 
Cooper,  "they  are  somewhere  in  our  rear." 


160  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  Ok  !  we're  surrounded !"  cried  Joe,  leaping  forward 
agaic . 

"Or  me  on,"  said  Boone ;  "we'll  soon  learn  what  he 
wants  with  us." 

When  they  were  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  so 
litary  Indian,  they  again  halted,  and  Joe  ran  to  the  sled  and 
seized  his  musket,  which  he  cocked  and  threw  up  to  hie 
shoulder. 

''Take  down  your  gun !"  said  Boone ;  "that  is  the  Indian 
whose  life  we  spared.  I  was  not  deceived  in  his  integrity. 
He  was  not  the  one  that  stole  away  Mary.  I  doubt  not 
he  brings  intelligence  of  her." 

"  God  grant  she  may  still  be  unharmed  !"  said  Rough- 
grove,  advancing  to  meet  the  Indian,  who,  being  now  with 
in  gunshot,  raised  his  small  white  flag.  "  Tell  me !  tell 
me  all  about  her !"  exclaimed  Roughgrove,  in  the  Osage 
language, •  when  he  met  the  Indian.  When  the  Indian 
informed  him  of  the  condition  of  Mary,  the  old  man  could 
not  repress  .his  raptures,  his  gratitude,  or  his  tears.  "  She's 
safe  !  she's  safe!  Heaven  be  praised!"  he  exclaimed,  turn 
ing  to  his  companions,  who  now  came  up,  and  experienced 
almost  as  much  joy  at  the  announcement  as  himself. 

"  Hang  me,  if  you  ain't  a  right  clever  fellow,"  said  Joe, 
shaking  the  Indian's  hand  quite  heartily.  "Now,"  he 
continued,  when  all  the  particulars  of  Mary's  escape  were 
made  known,  "there  won't  be  any  use  in  fighting;  we  can 
just  get  Miss  Mary  out  of  the  snow,  and  then  go  home 
again." 

"You  don't  know — keep  your  mouth  shet — dod — ,"  said 
Sneak,  suppressing  the  last  word. 

"  We  are  not  sure  of  that,"  said  Boone ;  "  on  the  con 
trary,  I  think  it  is  very  probable  we  shall  have  fighting  yet. 
When  the  war-party  discover  the  deception,  (as  they  must 
have  done  ere  this,)  they  will  retrace  their  steps.  If  it  was 
early  in  the  day  when  they  ascertained  that  the  captive  had 
escaped,  we  may  expect  to  see  them  very  soon.  If  it  was 
late,  we  will  find  them  in  the  grove  where  they  encamped. 
In  either  event  we  must  expect  to  fight — and  £-ght  hari, 
too — for  they  outnumber  us  considerably." 

Toe  sighed,  but  said  nothing. 

"Are  you  getting  ill  again  ?"  inquired  Boone. 


A   NAR1UTIVE.  161 

"No — I  was  only  blowing — I  got  a  little  tired,"  sa^d 
Joe,  in  scarce  articulate  tones. 

"And  I  feel  weak — very  weak — but  it  is  with  joy !"  said 
Roughgrove. 

"  And  I  have  observed  it,  too,"  said  Boone.  "  Get  in 
the  sled;  we  will  pull  you  along  till  your  strength  re 
turns." 

"I  will  be  able  to  use  my  gun  when  I  meet  the  foe," 
said  the  old  man,  getting  into  the  sled. 

The  party  set  forward  again,  guided  by  the  Indian,  and 
in  high  spirits.  The  consciousness  that  Mary  was  in  safety 
removed  a  weight  from  the  breasts  of  all ;  and,  as  they  ran 
along,  many  a  light  jest  and  pleasant  repartee  lessened  the 
weariness  of  the  march.  Even  Joe  smiled  once  or  twice 
when  Boone,  in  a  mock  heroic  manner  alluded  to  his  exploits 
among  the  wolves. 

"Blast  me,"  said  Joe,  when  Sneak  mentioned  a  few  cases 
of  equivocal  courage  as  an  offset  to  Boone's  compliments, 
"blast  me,  if  I  haven't  killed  more  Indians  than  any  of  yout 
since  I  have  been  in  this  plagued  country." 

"  True — that  is,  your  musket  has,"  said  Boone. 

"Joe  can  fight  sometimes,"  said  Glenn,  smiling. 

"I'll  be  hanged  if  I  haven't  always  fought,  when  there 
was  any  fighting  going  on,"  said  Joe,  reproachfully. 

"Yes,  and  he'll  fight  again,  as  manfully  as  any  of  us,'' 
said  Boone. 

"Dod — why,  what  are  you  holding  back  for  so  hard?" 
said  Sneak,  remarking  that  Joe  at  that  instant  seemed  to 
be  much  excited,  and,  instead  of  going  forward,  actually 
brought  the  whole  party  to  a  modeiate  walk  by  his  counter 
exertion. 

"What  do  you  mean?"  asked  Glenn. 

"Are  you  going  to  be  ill  ?"  asked  Boone. 

"No,  goodness,  no!  Only  listen  to  me  a  minute.  An 
idea  struck  me,  which  I  thought  it  was  my  duty  to  tell. 
I  thought  this  Indian  might  be  deceiving  us.  Suppose  he 
leads  us  right  into  an  ambush  when  we're  talking  and 
laughing,  and  thinking  there's  no  danger. 

"Dod — you're  a  cowardly  fool!"  said  Sneak. 

"  I  have  likewise  a  remedy  for  interruptions — I  advise 
y^u  rot  to  stop  again,"  said  Boone,  when  Joe  once  more 
started  forward. 

14* 


{02  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

Juat  us  .light  was  setting  in,  the  party  came  in  sight  of 
the  grove  where  Mary  was  concealed.  They  slackened 
their  pace  and  drew  near  the  dark  woods  quite  cautiously. 
When  they  entered  the  edge  of  the  grove,  they  heard  the 
war-party  utter  the  yell  which  had  awakened  Mary.  It 
was  fully  understood  by  Boone,  and  the  friendly  Indian  as 
sured  them  from  the  sound,  that  the  Osages  had  just  re- 
turnoi,  and  were  at  that  -moment  leaving  the  encampment 
on  his  trail.  But  he  stated  that  they  could  not  find  the 
pale-faced  maiden.  And  he  suggested  to  the  whites  a  plan 
of  attack,  which  was  to  station  themselves  near  the  place 
where  he  had  emerged  from  the  grove,  after  hiding 
Mary ;  so  that  when  they  followed  on  his  trail  they  could 
thus  be  surprised  without  difficulty.  This  advice  was 
adopted  by  Boone.  The  Indian  then  asked  permission 
to  depart,  saying  he  had  paid  the  white  men  for  sparing 
his  life. 

"Oh  no!"  cried  Joe,  when  Roughgrove  interpreted  the 
Indian's  request,  "keep  him  as  a  hostage — he  may  be 
cheating  us." 

UI  do  not  see  the  impropriety  of  Joe's  remark  this  time," 
said  Glenn. 

"Ask  him  where  he  will  go,  if  we  suffer  him  to  depart," 
said  Boone.  To  Roughgrove's  interrogation,  the  Indian 
made  a  passionate  replv.  He  said  the  white  men  were 
liars.  They  were  now  ^its.  Still  the  white  men  were 
not  satisfied.  He  had  risked  his  life  (and  would  probably 
be  tortured)  to  pay  back  the  white  men's  kindness.  But 
they  would  not  believe  his  words.  He  was  willing  to  die 
now.  The  white  men  might  shoot  him.  He  would  as 
willingly  die  as  live.  If  suffered  to  depart,  it  was  his  in 
tention  to  steal  his  squaw  away  from  the  tribe,  and  join 
the  Pawnees.  He  would  hover  be  an  Osage  again. 

"Go!"  said  Boone,  perceiving  by  a  ray  of  moonlight 
that  reached  the  Indian's  face  through  the  clustering 
branches  of  the  trees  abo\e,  that  he  was  in  tears.  The 
savage,  without  speaking  another  word,  leaped  out  into  the 
pifiirie,  and  from  the  circuitous  direction  he  pursued,  it  was 
manifest  that  nothing  could  be  further  from  his  desire  than 
to  fall  in  with  the  war-party. 

Boone  directed  the  sled  to  be  abandoned,  and,  obedient 
to  his  will,  the  party  entered  a  small  covert  in  the  imme 


A    NARRATIVE.  163 

fliate  vicinity  of  the  spot  where  their  guide  said  he  had 
emerged  from  the  grove  on  his  return  to  meet  the  whites 
Here  the  party  long  remained  esconced,  silent  and  listen 
ing,  and  expecting  every  moment  to  see  the  foe.  At  length 
Boone  grew  impatient,  and  concluding  they  would  encamp 
that  night  under  the  spreading  tree,  (the  locality  of  which 
he  was  familiar  with,)  he  resolved  to  advance  and  surprise 
them.  He  was  strengthened  in  this  determination  hy  tLe 
repeated  and  painful  surmises  of  Roughgrove  respecting 
Mary's  piteous  condition.  Glenn,  and  the  rest,  with  per 
haps  one  or  two  exceptions,  likewise  seemed  disposed  to 
make  an  instantaneous  termination  of  the  torturing  sus 
pense  respecting  the  fate  of  the  poor  girl. 

Boone  and  Sneak  led  the  way.  The  party  were  com 
pelled  to  proceed  with  the  utmost  caution.  Sometimes 
they  were  forced  to  crawl  many  paces  on  their  hands  and 
knees  under  the  pendent  snow-covered  bushes.  They 
drew  near  the  spreading  tree.  A  fire  was  burning  under 
it,  the  flickering  rays  of  which  could  be  occasionally  seen 
glimmering  through  the  branches.  A  stick  was  heard  to 
break  a  little  distance  on  one  side,  and  Boone  and  Sneak 
sank  down  on  the  snow,  and  whispered  to  the  rest  to  follow 
their  example.  It  was  done  without  a  repetition  of  the 
order.  Joe  was  the  hindmost  of  all,  but  after  lying  a  few 
minutes  in  silence,  he  crept  softly  forward,  trembling  all 
the  while.  When  he  reached  the  side  of  Boone,  the  aged 
woodman  did  not  chide  him,  but  simply  pointed  bis  finger 
towards  a  small  decayed  log  a  few  paces  distant.  Joe 
looked  but  a  moment,  and  then  pulling  his  hat  over  his 
eyes,  laid  down  Hat  on  his  face,  in  silence  and  submission. 
An  Indian  was  seated  on  the  log,  and  very  composedly  out- 
ting  off  the  dry  bark  with  his  tomahawk.  Once  or  twice 
he  paused  and  remained  a  moment  in  a  listening  attitude. 
But  probably  thinking  the  sounds  he  heard  (if  he  heard 
any')  proceeded  from  some  comrade  like  himself  in  quest 
of  fuel,  he  continued  to  cut  away,  until  an  armful  was 
obtained,  and  then  very  deliberately  arose  and  walked  with 
an  almost  noiseless  step  to  the  fire,  which  was  not  more 
than  fifty  yards  distant.  Boone  rose  softly  and  whispered 
the  ie«t  to  follow.  He  was  promptly  obeyed  by  all  except 
Joe. 

"  Come,  sir!  prepare  your  musket  to  fire,"  said  Boone, 


J64  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

stooping  down  to  Joe,  who  still  remained  apparently  frozen 
to  the  snow-crust. 

"Oh!  I'm  so  sick!"  replied  Joe. 

"  If  you  do  not  keep  with  us,  you  will  lose  your  scalp  to 
a  certainty,"  said  Boone.  Joe  was  well  in  a  second.  The 
party  were  now  about  midway  between  the  fallen  trunk 
where  Mary  was  concealed,  and  the  great  encampirent- 
tree.  Boone  rose  erect  for  an  instant,  and  beheld  the 
former,  and  the  single  Indian  (the  chief)  who  was  there. 
One  of  the  Indians  again  started  out  from  the  fire,  in  the 
direction  of  the  whites  for  more  fuel.  Boone  once  more 
passed  the  word  for  his  little  band  to  lie  down.  The  tall 
Bavage  came  within  a  few  feet  of  them.  His  tomahawk 
accidentally  fell  from  his  hand,  and  in  his  endeavour  to 
catch  it,  he  knocked  it  within  a  few  feet  of  Sneak's  head. 
He  stepped  carelessly  aside,  and  stooped  down  for  it.  A 
strangling  and  gushing  sound  was  heard,  and  falling  pros 
trate,  he  died  without  a  groan.  Sneak  had  nearly  severed 
his  head  from  his  body  at  one  blow  with  his  hunting-knife. 

At  this  juncture  Mary  sprang  from  her  hiding-place. 
Her  voice-  reached  the  ears  of  her  father,  but  before  he 
could  run  to  her  assistance,  the  chief's  loud  tones  rang 
through  the  forest.  Boone  and  the  rest  sprang  forward, 
and  fired  upon  the  savages  under  the  spreading  tree.  At 
the  second  discharge  the  Indians  gave  way,  and  while  Col. 
Cooper,  the  oarsmen,  and  the  neighbours  that  had  joined 
the  party  in  the  morning,  pursued  the  flying  foe,  Boone 
and  the  remainder  ran  towards  the  fallen  trunk  where  Mary 
had  been  concealed,  but  approaching  in  different  directions. 
Glenn  was  the  first  to  rush  upon  the  chief,  and  it  was  his 
ball  that  whizzed  so  near  the  Indian's  head  when  he  bore 
away  the  shrieking  maiden.  The  rest  only  fired  in  the 
direction  of  the  log,  not  thinking  that  Mary  had  left  her 
covert.  They  soon  met  at  the  fallen  tree,  under  which  was 
the  pit,  all  except  Glenn,  who  sprang  forward  in  pursuit  of 
the  chief,  and  Sneak,  who  had  made  a  wide  circuit  for  the 
purpose  of  reaching  the  scene  of  action  from  an  opposite 
direction,  entirely  regardless  of  the  danger  of  being  shot 
by  his  friends. 

"  She's  gone !  she's  gone !"  exclaimed  Roughgrove,  look 
ing  aghast  at  the  vacated  pit  under  the  fallen  trunk. 

"But  we  will  have  her  yet,"  said  Boone,  as  he  heard 


'it  is  your  father,  my  poor  child  !"  said  Ronghgrave,  prer^ing  the  girl  to 
his  heart. — P.  165. 


A    NARRATIVE.  65 

Glenn  discharge  a  pistol  a  few  paces  apart  in  the  bushes. 
The  report  was  followed  by  a  yell,  not  from  the  chief,  bin 
Sneak,  and  the  next  moment  the  rifle  of  the  latter  was 
likewise  heard.  Still  the  Indian  was  not  dispatched,  for 
the  instant  afterwards  his  tomahawk,  which  was  hurled 
without  effect,  came  sailing  over  the  bushes,  and  penetrated 
a  tree  hard  by,  some  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  above  the  earth, 
where  it  entered  the  wood  with  such  force  that  it  remained 
firmly  fixed.  Now  succeeded  a  struggle — a  violent  blow 
was  heard — the  fall  of  the  Indian,  and  all  was  compara 
tively  still.  A  minute  afterwards,  Sneak  emerged  from 
the  thicket,  bearing  the  inanimate  body  of  Mary  in  his 
arms,  and  followed  by  Glenn. 

"Is  she  dead?  Oh,  she's  dead!"  cried  Roughgrove, 
snatching  her  from  the  arms  of  Sneak. 

"  She  has  only  fainted  !"  exclaimed  Glenn,  examining 
the  body  of  the  pale  girl,  and  finding  no  wounds. 

"  She  is  recovering !"  said  Boone,  feeling  her  pulse. 

"  God  be  praised  !"  exclaimed  Roughgrove,  when  re 
turning  animation  was  manifest. 

"  Oh  !  I  know  you  won't  kill  me  !  For  pity's  sake  spare 
me!"  said  Mary. 

"  It  is  your  father,  my  poor  child !"  said  Roughgrove, 
pressing  the  girl  to  his  heart. 

"  It  is  !  it  is !"  cried  the  happy  girl,  clinging  raptu 
rously  to  the  old  man's  neck,  and  then,  seizing  the  hands 
of  the  rest,  she  seemed  to  be  half  wild  with  delight. 

"  Dod — I — I  mean  that  none  of  the  black  noctilerous 
savages  shall  ever  hurt  you  as  long  as  Sneak  lives,"  said 
Sneak,  looking  down  at  his  gun,  which  had  been  broken 
off  at  the  breech. 

"  How  did  you  break  that  ?"  asked  Boone. 

"  I  broke  it  over  the  yaller  feller's  head,"  said  he,  "and 
I'd  do  it  agin,  before  he  should  hurt  Miss  Mary,  if  it  it 
the  only  one  I've  got." 

"  I  have  an  extra  rifle  at  home,"  said  Glenn,  "  which 
shall  be  yours,  as  a  reward  for  your  gallant  conduct." 

"  Where  is  the  chief?     Is  he  dead  ?"  asked  Mary. 

"  If  he  ain't  dead,  his  head's  harder  than  my  gun,  that's 
all,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  I'm  so  sorry !"  said  Mary. 

"Why,  my  child?"  asked  Roughgrove. 


166  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES. 

"Because,"  said  Mary,  "he's  a  good-hearted  Indian, 
and  never  would  have  harmed  me.  When  he  heard  you 
commg,  and  raised  his  tomahawk  to  kill  me,  I  looked  in 
his  face,  and  he  could  not  strike,  for  there  were  tears  in  his 
oyes  !  I  know  he  never  would  have  thought  of  killing  me, 
when  calm,  for  he  treated  me  very  kindly  before  I  escaped." 

"Maybe  he  ain't  dead — I'll  go  and  see,"  said  Sneak, 
repairing  to  the  late  scene  of  conflict.  When  he  arrived 
he  found  the  young  chief  sitting  upright,  having  been  only 
stunned ;  a  gold  band  that  confined  his  head-dress  pre 
vented  the  blow  from  fracturing  his  skull.  He  was  now 
unresisting  and  sullen.  Sneak  made  him  rise  up,  and 
after  binding  his  hands  behind  him  with  a  strong  cord,  led 
him  forth. 

"You  did  not  intend  to  kill  me,  did  you  ?"  asked  Mary, 
in  soothing  tones.  The  chief  regarded  her  not,  but  looked 
steadfastly  downwards. 

"He  don't  understand  you,  Mary,"  said  Boone. 

"Oh,  yes  he  does,"  continued  Mary;  "and  he  can. 
speak  our  language,  too,  for  I  heard  him  talking,  and 
thought  it  was  you,  and  that  was  the  reason  why  I  came 
out  of  the  pit."  Roughgrove  addressed  him  in, his  own 
language,  but  with  no  better,  success.  The  captured  chief 
resolved  not  to  plead  for  his  life.  He  would  make  no  reply 
whatever  to  their  questions,'  but  still  gazed  downwards  in 
reckless  sullenness. 

"  What  shall  we  do  with  him  ?"  asked  Glenn,  when  the 
rest  of  the  party,  (with  the  exception  of  Joe,)  who  had 
chased  the  savages  far  away,  came  up  and  stared  at  the 
prisoner. 

"  Let  us  set  him  free  !"  said  Roughgrove. 

"  Kill  him  !"  cried  several. 

"  No !"  exclaimed  Mary,  "  what  do  you  say,  Mr.  Boone  ?" 

"It  would  be  useless  to  kill  him,"  said  Boone. 

"  Let  him  go,  then,"  said  Glenn. 

"No!"  said  Boone. 

"  Why  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  Because,"  replied  Boone,  "  he  is  a  chief,  and  we  may 
make  him  the  means  of  securing  the   settlement  against 
future  attacks.     We  will  confine  him  in  your  garrison  aj  a 
hostage,  and  send  some  friendly  Indian  to  the  Osages  an 
nouncing  his  capture,  and  informing  them  that  his  life  ml 


A   NARRATIVE.  167 

be  spared  provided  they  keep  away  from  the  settlement  for 
a  certain  length  of  time,  at  the  expiration  of  which  he 
shall  be  restored  to  them." 

"I  am  glad  of  that,"  said  Mary,  "for  I  don't  believe 
he  is  a  bad  Indian.  We  will  treat  him  kindly,  and  then  I 
think  he  will  always  be  our  friend." 

"  Take  him  along,  and  bind  him  fast  in  the  sled,  Sneak," 
said  Boone ;  "  but  see  that  you  do  not  injure  him  in  the 
loast." 

"  I  will.  Oh,  me  and  him  are  purty  good  friends  now. 
Gee-whoa-haw,"  continued  he,  taking  hold  of  the  string 
behind,  and  endeavouring  to  drive  the  silent  captive  like 
an  ox.  The  young  chief  whirled  round  indignantly,  and 
with  such  force  as  to  send  Sneak  sprawling  several  paces 
to  one  side.  He  rose  amid  the  laughter  that  ensued,  and 
remembering  the  words  of  Boone,  conducted  his  prisoner 
away  in  a  more  respectful  manner. 

"Where's  Joe?"  at  length  inquired  Glenn,  seeing  that 
he  alone  was  missing. 

"  Oh  !  I'm  afraid  he's  dead,"  said  Mary 

"If  he  is,  I  shall  mourn  his  loss  many  a  "day,"  said 
Glenn  ;  ."for  with  all  his  defects,  I  would  not  be  without 
him  for  the  world." 

"  Give  yourself  no  uneasiness,"  said  Boone  ;  "  for  he  is 
as  well  at  this  moment  as  you  or  I." 

"  I  hope  so,"  said  Glenn;  "but  I  have  not  seen  him  since 
we  first  fired  at  the  Indians." 

"  Let  us  repair  to  that  spot,  and  there  we  will  find  him, 
for  I  saw  him  fall  down  when  he  discharged  his  musket.  I 
venture  to  say  he  has  not  moved  an  inch  since." 

The  party  repaired  to  the  place  mentioned,  and  there 
they  found  him,  sure  enough,  lying  quite  still  on  his  face 
beside  the  Indian  that  Sneak  had  killed. 

"  He  is  dead !"  said  Glenn,  after  calling  to  him  and  re 
ceiving  no  answer. 

"  We'll  soon  see,"  said  Boone,  turning  him  over  on  his 
back.  "  I  will  open  a  vein  in  his  arm." 

"  Bring  a  torch  from  the  fire,"  said  Col.  Cooper  to  one 
of  the  men. 

"  Oh  !"  sighed  Joe,  lifting  his  hands  to  his  head. 

"I  thought  he  would  soon  come  to  life  again,"  said 
Boone,  examining  his  face  with  the  torch  that  was  brought, 


168  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

and  then  laughing  outright.  The  spectacle  was  ludicrous 
in  the  extreme.  Joe  was  besmeared  with  blood,  and,  when 
he  opened  his  eyes  and  stared  at  the  flaming  light,  he  re 
sembled  some  sanguinary  demon. 

"  Where  in  the  world  did  .all  this  blood  come  from  ?" 
exclaimed  Glenn. 

'"  I'm  recovered  now,"  said  Joe,  rising  up  and  assuming 
an  air  of  importance. 

"What  have  you  been  doing?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  I've  been  doing  as  much  as  any  of  you,  I'll  be  bound," 
replied  Joe,  very  gravely. 

"Well,  what  have  you  done?"  repeated  Glenn. 

"  I've  been  fighting  the  last  half  hour,  as  hard  as  any 
body  ever  fought  in  this  world.  Only  look  at  the  stabs  in 
that  Indian !"  said  he,  pointing  to  the  savage. 

"  Why,  you  scoundrel !  Sneak  killed  this  Indian,"  said 
Glenn. 

"  Sneak  thought  he  did,"  replied  Joe,  "  but  he  only 
wounded  him.  After  a  while  he  got  up  and  clinched  me 
by  the  throat,  and  we  had  it  over  and  over  on  the  snow, 
till  we  both  got  so  exhausted  we  couldn't  do  any  thing. 
When  we  rested,  we  went  at  it  again,  and  it  hasn't  been 
five  minutes  since  I  stuck  my  knife  in  his  breast.  When 
he  fell,  I  stuck  him  four  or  five  times,  and  then  fainted 
myself." 

"Here  is  a  wound  in  the  savage's  breast,"  said  Glenn. 

"But  here's  another  in  the  throat,"  said  Boone,  show 
ing  where  the  arteries  had  been  severed  by  Sneak. 

"Joe,"  said  Glenn,  "you  must  abandon  this  habit  of 
lying,  if  indeed  it  is  not  a  portion  of  your  nature." 

"  Hang  it  all,  I  ain't  lying — I  know  Sneak  did  cut  his 
throat,  but  he  didn't  cut  it  deep — I  cut  it  deeper,  myself, 
after  the  Indian  got  up  again  !"  persisted  he. 

The  party  hastily  glanced  at  the  four  or  five  dead  savages 
under  the  trees,  that  had  fallen  victims  to  their  fire,  and 
then  returned  to  the  sled.  Mary  was  placed  bsside  the 
captive  chief,  and  they  set  out  on  their  return,  well  satis 
fied  with  the  result  of  the  expedition. 


A   NARRATIVE.  169 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

the  return — The  young  chief  in  confinement — Joe's  fun — His  reward— 
The  ring — A  discovery — William's  recognition — Memories  of  childhood 
— A  Bcene — Roughgrove's  history — The  children's  parentage. 

THE  party  on  their  return  did  not  travel  so  rapidly  as 
they  had  advanced.  They  moreover  halted  in  a  grove 
which  they  espied  about  midnight,  and  finding  a  spreading 
tree  that  had  entirely  shielded  a  small  space  of  ground  from 
the  snow,  they  kindled  a  fire,  arranged  their  robes,  and 
reposed  a  few  hours.  The  captive  chief  was  still  sullen 
and  unresisting.  He  was  suffered  to  recline  in  the  sled 
enveloped  in  skins,  with  his  hands  and  feet  yet  bound, 
and  an  extra  cord  passed  round  his  body,  the  end  of  which 
Sneak  held  in  his  hand  while  he  slept.  When  daylight 
appeared,  they  set  forward  again  in  a  moderate  pace,  and 
arrived  at  Glenn's  domicil  at  evening  twilight.  The  neigh 
bours  that  Sneak  had  enlisted  departed  for  their  homes,  and 
Boone  and  Col.  Cooper,  after  bidding  our  hero,  Roughgrove, 
and  Mary,  a  hearty  adieu,  without  entering  the  inclosure, 
recrossed  the  river  to  their  own  settlement. 

The  remainder  of  the  party,  except  the  oarstnen,  accepted 
Glenn's  invitation  to  remain  with  him  till  morning.  When 
the  gate  was  thrown  open,  the  faithful  hounds  manifested 
great  delight  to  behold  their  master  again,  and  also  Mary, 
for  they  pranced  so  much  in  the  path  before  them  that  it 
was  almost  impossible  to  walk.  They  barked  in  ecstasy 
The  poor  fawn  had  been  forgotten,  neglected,  and  had  suf 
fered  much  for  food.  Mary  placed  her  arm  round  its  neck 
and  wept.  Glenn  ordered  Joe,  who  was  in  the  stable  ca 
ressing  the  horses,  to  feed  the  drooping  pet  instantly. 

The  party  then  entered  the  house,  leading  in  the  chief, 
and  soon  after  Sneak  had  a  bright  fire  blazing  on  the  hearth. 

The  food  that  remained  from  the  last  repast  amply  sufficed, 
the  captive  refusing  to  partake  with"  them,  and  Joe  having 
dined  during  the  last  twelve  miles  of  the  journey  on  the 
way. 


170  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  How  we'll  be  able  to  keep  this  Indian  here,  when 
we  go  out,  I  should  like  to  know,"  said  Joe,  regarding 
the  manly  and  symmetrical  form  of  the  young  chief, 
who  was  now  unbound,  and  sat  silent  and  thoughtful  by 
the  fire. 

"I  think  he  ought  to  be  killed,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  no!"  said  Mary;  "he  is  not  bad  like  the  other  In 
dians."  The  Indian,  for  the  first  time  since  his  capture, 
raised  his  head  while  she  spoke,  and  looked  searchingly  in 
her  face.  "  Oh  !"  continued  Mary,  thinking  of  the  horrors 
of  savage  warfare,  and  bursting  into  tears,  "  you  will  never 
attempt  to  kill  any  of  us  again,  will  you  ?" 

"No!"  said  the  chief,  in  a  low  but  distinct  tone.  Every 
one  in  the  house  but  Mary  started. 

"You  understand  our  language,  do  you?  Then  why 
did  you  not  answer  my  questions?"  asked  Roughgrove, 
turning  to  the  captive.  The  young  chief  made  no  answer, 
but  sat  with  his  arms  folded,  and  still  regarding  the  fea 
tures  of  Mary. 

"  He's  a  perfect  fool !"  said  Sneak. 

"  He's  a  snake  in  the  grass,  and  '11  bite  some  of  us  some 
of  these  times,  before  we  know  any  thing  about  it,"  said 
Joe. 

"Be  silent,"  said  Glenn.  "If  the  hope  that  fills  my 
breast  should  be  realized,  the  young  chief  will  cause  more 
rejoicing  than  sorrowing  among  us.  The  wisdom  of  Pro 
vidence  surpasses  all  human  understanding.  Events  that 
bear  a  frightful  import  to  the  limited  comprehensions  of 
mortals,  may  nevertheless  be  fraught  with  inestimable 
blessings.  Even  the  circumstance  of  your  capture,  Mary, 
however  distressing  at  the  time  to  yourself  and  to  all  your 
friends,  may  some  day  be  looked  upon  as  a  happy  and  for 
tunate  occurrence." 

"  I  hope  so,"  said  Mary. 

"  God  is  great — is  present  everywhere,  and  governs 
every  thing — let  us  always  submit  to  his  just  decrees  with 
out  murmuring,"  said  the  old  ferryman,  his  eyes  bright- 
ening  with  fervent  devotion. 

"  They've  a  notion  to  preach  a  little,  I  believe,"  whis 
pered  Sneak  to  Joe. 

"Let  'em  go  ahead,  then,"  replied  Joe,  who  was  busily 
tngaged  with  a  long  switch,  that  he  occasionally  thru**  '» 


A    NARRATIVE.  171 

the  fire,  and  when  the  end  was  burnt  to  a  coal,  slyly  applied 
it  to  the  heel  of  the  young  chief's  moccasin. 

"You'd  better  not  let  him  ketch  you  at  that,"  said 
Sneak. 

"  He'll  think  its  a  tick  biting  him — I  want  to  see  if  the 
Indians  scratch  like  other  people,"  said  Joe. 

Mary,  being  so  requested  by  her  father,  began  to  relate 
every  thing  that  transpired  up  to  her  rescue,  while  she  was 
in  the  possession  of  the  savages.  The  Indian  riveted  his 
eyes  upon  her  during  the  recital,  and  seemed  to  mark  every 
word.  Whether  he  understood  all  she  said,  or  was  en 
chanted  with  her  soft  and  musical  tones,  could  not  be 
ascertained ;  but  the  listeners  more  than  once  observed  with 
astonishment  his  gleaming  eyes,  his  attentive  attitude,  and 
the  intense  interest  exhibited  in  his  face.  It  was  during  a 
moment  when  he  was  thus  absorbed  that  he  suddenly 
sprang  erect.  Joe  threw  down  his  switch,  convulsed  with 
internal  laughter.  Sneak  leaned  back  against  the  wall, 
and  while  he  grinned  at  the  amusing  scene,  seemed  curious 
to  know  what  would  be  the  result.  Mary  paused,  and 
Glenn  inquired  the  cause  of  the  interruption. 

"Its  nothing,  hardly,"  said  Sneak:  "only  a  spark  of 
fire  got  agin  the  Indian's  foot.  He  ain't  as  good  pluck 
as  the  other  one  we  had — he  could-  stand  burning  at  the 
stake  without  flinching." 

"Did  either  of  j  on  place  the  fire  against  his  foot?''  de 
manded  Glenn,  in  something  like  anger.  But  before  he 
could  receive  an  answer,  the  young  chief,  who  had  whirled 
round  furiously,  and  cast  a  fierce  look  at  his  tormentor,  re 
laxing  his  knit  brows  into  an  expression  of  contempt,  very 
deliberately  took  hold  of  Joe's  ear,  and  turning  on  his  heel 
like  a  pivot,  forced  him  to  make  many  circles  round  him  on 
the  floor. 

"  Let  go  my  ear  !"  roared  Joe,  pacing  round  in  pain. 

"Hold  your  holt,  my  snarvilerous  yaller  prairie  dog!" 
cried  Sneak,  inexpressibly  amused. 

"Let  go  my  ear,  I  say !"  cried  Joe,  still  trotting  round, 
with  both  hands  grasping  the  Indian's  wrist.  "Mr.  Glenn  i 
Mr.  Glenn  !"  continued  Joe,  "he's  pinching  a  hole  through 
my  ear !  Shoot  him  down,  shoot  him  down  .  there's  my 
gun,  standing  against  the  wall — but  its  not  loaded  !  Take 
tny  knife — oh,  he's  tearing  my  ear  off!"  When  the  Indian 


172  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES  : 

thought  he  was  sufficiently  punished,  he  led  him  back  tc 
his  seat,  and  relinquished  his  hold.  He  then  resumed  hia 
own  seat,  and  composedly  turning  his  eyes  to  Mary,  seem 
ed  to  desire  her  to  proceed  with  the  narration.  She  did  so, 
but  when  she  spoke  of  her  attempt  to  escape  in  the  prairie, 
of  the  young  chief's  noble  conduct,  and  his  admiration  of 
her  ring  (and  she  pulled  off  her  glove  and  exhibited  it 
as  she  spoke,)  he  again  rose  from  his  seat,  and  walking, 
apparently  unconsciously,  to  where  she  reclined  upon  her 
father's  knees,  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  jewel  in  a  most 
mysterious  manner.  He  no  longer  dwelt  upon  the  maid 
en's  sweet  tones.  He  did  nothing  but  gaze  at  the  ring. 

"  He's  got  a  notion  to  steal  that  ring !"  said  Joe,  with  a 
sneer. 

"  Shet  your  mouth !"  said  Sneak,  observing  that  Mary 
looked  reproachfully  at  Joe,  and  paused. 

"  Don't  talk  that  way,  Joe  !"  said  the  offended  girl.  "If 
he  wanted  it,  why  did  he  not  take  it  when  I  was  his  pri 
soner  ?  I  will  freely  let  him  have  it  now,"  she  continued, 
slipping  it  off  from  her  finger. 

"No!  keep  it,  child — it  is  a  family  ring,"  said  Hough' 
grove. 

"  I  will  lend  it  to  him — I  know  he  will  give  it  me  again," 
she  continued,  placing  it  in  the  extended  hand  of  the  young 
chief,  who  thanked  her  with  his  eyes,  and  resumed  his  seat, 
lie  now  seemed  to  disregard  every  thing  that  was  said  or 
done,  and  only  gazed  at  the  ring,  which  he  held  first  in  one 
hand  and  then  in  the  other,  with  the  sparkling  diamond  up 
permost.  Sometimes  he  would  press  his  forehead  with  hia 
hand  and  cover  his  eyes,  and  then  gaze  at  the  ring  again. 
Then  staring  wildly  around,  and  slightly  starting,  he  would 
bite  his  fingers  to  ascertain  whether  the  scene  was  reality 
or  a  dream.  Finally,  giving  vent  to  a  piteous  sigh,  while 
a  tear  ran  down  his  stained  cheek,  he  placed  his  elbows 
upon  his  knees,  and,  bending  forward,  seemed  to  muse  over 
some  event  of  the  past,  which  the  jewel  before  him  had 
called  to  remembrance. 

Glenn  narrowly  watched  every  look  and  motion  of  the 
young  chief,  and  when  Mary  finished  the  account  of  hor 
capture,  he  introduced  the  subject  of  the  lost  child,  Mary's* 
brother,  that  Roughgrove  had  spoken  about  before  startiuy 
in  pursu'.t  of  the  war-party. 


A    NARRATIVE.  173 

"I  can  -remember  him!"  said  Mary,  "and  mother, 
too — they  are  both  in  heaven  now — poor  brother!  poor 
mother!" 

The  young  chief  raised  his  head  quickly,  and  staring  at 
the  maiden's  face,  seemed  to  regard  her  tears  and  her  fea 
tures  with  an  interest  similar  to  that  of  a  child  when  it 
beholds  a  rare  and  curious  toy. 

"  Has  it  not  occurred  to  you,"  said  Glenn,  addressing 
Roughgrove,  "  that  this  young  chief  might  possibly  be  your 
own  son  ?" 

"  No  !"  replied  the  old  man,  promptly,  and  partially 
rising,  "  he  my  son — Tie  Mary's  brother — and  once  in  the 
act  of  plunging  the  tomahawk — 

"  But,  father,"  interrupted  Mary,  "he  would  never  have 
harmed  me — I  know  he  would  not — for  every  time  he  look 
ed  me  in  the  face  he  seemed  to  pity  me,  and  sometimes  he 
almost  wept  to  think  I  was  away  from  my  friends,  among 
savages,  cold  and  distressed.  But  I  don't  think  he  can  be 
my  brother — my  little  brother  I  used  to  love  so  much — yet 
I  could  never  think  how  he  should  have  fallen  in  the  river 
without  my  knowing  it.  Sometimes  I  remember  it  all  aa 
if  it  were  yesterday.  He  was  hunting  wild  violets " 

"  Oh  !  oh !"  screamed  the  young  chief,  springing  from 
his  seat  towards  Mary.  Fear,  pain,  apprehension,  joy  and 
affection,  all  seemed  to  be  mingled  in  his  heaving  breast. 

"He's  crazy,  dod"-    — the  word  died  upon  Sneak's  lip. 

"I  should  like  to  know  who  burnt  his  foot  then,"  said 
Joe. 

"  Silence  !  both  of  you,"  said  Glenn. 

"  What  does  he  mean  ?"  at  length  asked  Roughgrove, 
Ptaring  at  the  young  chief. 

"  Let  us  be  patient,  and  see,"  said  Glenn. 

Ere  long  the  Indian  turned  his  eyes  slowly  downward, 
and  resumed  his  seat  mournfully  and  in  silence. 

"  Oh!"  said  Mary,  "  if  he  is  my  poor  brother,  my  heart 
will  burst  to  see  him  thus — a  wild  savage." 

"How  old  are  you,  Mary?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  Nineteen,"  said  she. 

"  Your  brother,  then,  has  been  lost  thirteen  years.  He 
may  yet  be  restored  to  you — re-taught  our  manners  and 
epeech — bless  his  aged  father's  declining  years,  and  merit 
his  sister's  affection." 


174  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  Oh  !  Mr.  Glenn  !  is  he  then  alive  ?  is  this*  he  ?  "  cried 
Mary. 

"No,  child!"  said  Rougngrove,  "do  not  think  of 
such  a  thing,  for  you  will  be  most  bitterly  disap 
pointed.  Your  brother  was  white — Took  at  this  Indian's 
dark  face !" 

Gl-enn  approached  the  chief,  extending  his  hand  in  a 
friendly  manner.  It  was  frankly  grasped.  He  then  gently 
•Irew  the  furs  aside  and  exposed  the  young  man's  shoulder. 
It  was  as  white  as  his  own  !  Roughgrove,  Mary,  and  all, 
looked  on  in  wonder.  The  young  chief  regarded  it  with 
singular  emotions  himself.  He  seemed  to  associate  it  in 
some  manner  with  the  ring  he  held,  for  he  glanced  from 
one  to  the  other  alternately. 

"  Did  Mary  wear  that  ring  before  the  child  was  lost  ?" 
asked  Glenn. 

"No,"  replied  Roughgrove,  "but  her  mother  did." 

"I  believe  he  is  your  son!"  said  Glenn.  "Mary,"  he 
continued,  "  have  you  any  trinkets  or  toys  you  used  to 
play  with?" 

"Yes.  Oh,  let  me  get  them  !"  she  replied,  and  running 
to  a  corner  of  the  room  where  her  father's  chests  and 
trunks  had  been  placed,  she  produced  a  small  drum  and  a 
brass  toy  cannon.  "  He  used  to  play  with  these  from  morn 
ing  till  night,"  she  continued,  placing  them  on  the  floor. 
She  had  not  taken  her  hand  away  from  them,  before  the 
young  chief  sprang  to  her  side  and  cried  out — 

"  They're  mine  !  they're  mine !  they're  William's  !" 

"  What  was  the  child's  name  ?"  asked  Glenn,  quickly. 

"  William  !  William  !"  cried  Mary.  "  It  is  my  brother  ! 
it  is  my  poor  brother  William !"  and  without  a  moment's 
hesitation  she  threw  her  arms  round  his  neck,  and  sobbed 
upon  his  breast ! 

"  The  poor,  poor  child  !"  said  Roughgrove,  in  tremulous 
tones,  embracing  them  both,  his  eyes  filled  with  tears. 

"  Sister  !  sister  !"  said  the  youth,  gazing  in  partial  bewil 
derment  at  Mary. 

"  Brother,  brother !  I  am  your  sister !  "  said  Mary,  in 
tones  of  thrilling  tenderness. 

"  But  mother  !  where's  mother  ?"  asked  the  youth.  The 
father  and  sister  bowed  their  heads  in  silence.  The  youth. 
after  clinging  fondly  to  Mary  a  few  minutes,  started  up 


A    NARRATIVE.  17£ 

abruptly  and  looked  amazed,  as  if  waking  from  a  sweet 
dream  to  the  reality  of  his  recent  dreadful  condition. 

"  Brother,  why  do  you  look  so  coldly  at  us  ?  Why  don't 
you  press  us  to  your  heart  ?"  said  Mary,  still  clinging  to 
him.  The  youth's  features  gradually  assumed  a  grave 
and  haughty  cast,  and,  turning  away,  he  walked  to  the  stool 
he  had  occupied,  and  sat  down  in  silence. 

"I  will  win  him  from  the  Indians,"  said  Mary,  running 
after  him,  and  sitting  down  at  his  side. 

"  Ugh  !"  exclaimed  the  youth  in  displeasure,  and  moved 
a  short  distance  away. 

"  He's  not  true  grit — I  'most  wish  I  had  killed  him,'' 
said  Sneak. 

"  Yes,  and  pinch  me  if  I  don't  burn  him  again,  if  I  get 
a  chance,"  said  Joe. 

"  Silence  !"  said  Glenn,  sternly.  For  many  minutes  not 
a  word  was  spoken.  At  length  Mary,  who  had  been  sob 
bing,  raised  her  head  and  looked  tenderly  in  the  face  of  her 
brother.  Still  he  regarded  her  with  indiiference.  She 
then  seized  the  toy-drum,  which  with  the  other  articles  had 
been  thrust  out  of  view,  and  placed  them  before  him. 
When  his  eyes  rested  upon  them ;  the  severe  and  wild  ex 
pressions  of  his  features  again  relaxed.  The  young  war- 
chief  was  a  child  again.  He  abandoned  his  seat  and  sat 
down  on  the  floor  beside  his  sister.  Looking  her  guile 
lessly  in  the  face,  an  innocent  and  boyish  smile  played 
upon  his  lips. 

"  You  won't  go  away  again  and  leave  your  poor  sister ; 
will  you,  William  ?"  said  Mary. 

"  No,  indeed.  And  when  the  Indians  come  we'll  run 
away  and  go  to  mother,  won't  we,  Mary  ?"  said  the  youth, 
in  a  complete  abandonment  of  time  and  condition. 

"He  is  restored — restored  at  last !"  exclaimed  Rough- 
grove,  walking  across  the  room  to  where  the  brother  and 
sister  sat.  The  youth  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  darted  a  look 
of  defiance  at  him.  "  Oh  !  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  the 
murderous  savages  have  converted  the  gentle  lamb  into  a 
wolf!"  lloughgrove  then  repeated  his  words  to  the  youth 
in  the  Osage  language.  The  youth  replied  in  the  same 
language,  his  eyes  flashing  indignantly.  He  said  it  was 
not  true;  that  the  red  man  was  great  and  noble,  and  the 
pale  face  w;is  a  beast — and  added  that  he  had  anothei 


176  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

tomahawk  and  bows  and  arrows  in  his  own  country,  and 
might  see  the  day  when  this  insult  would  be  terribly  re 
sented.  The  old  man  sank  down  on  his  rude  seat,  and 
gave  way  to  excruciating  grief. 

"  Brother  William !"  cried  Mary,  tapping  the  drum.  The 
youth  cast  down  his  eyes  to  where  she  sat,  and  their 
fierceness  vanished  in  a  twinkling.  She  placed  the  toy  in 
his  possession,  and  rose  to  bring  some  other  plaything  she 
remembered. 

"  Sister,  don't  go — I'll  tell  mother  !"  cried  the  youth,  in 
infantile  earnestness. 

"  I'll  come  back  presently,  brother,"  said  Mary,  tripping 
across  the  room  and  searching  a  trunk. 

"  Make  haste — but  I'm  not  afraid — I'll  frighten  all  the 
Indians  away."  Saying  this,  he  rattled  the  drum  as 
rapidly  as  possible. 

"  See  what  I've  got,  brother,"  said  Mary,  returning  with 
a  juvenile  book,  and  sitting  down  close  at  his  side.  He 
thrust  the  drum  away,  and,  laughing  heartily,  placed  his 
arm  round  his  sister  and  said :  "  Mother's  got  my  book ; 
but  you'll  let  me  look  at  yours,  won't  you,  sister?" 

"  Yes  that  I  will,  brother — see,  this  is  the  little  old  wo 
man,  and  there's  her  dog " 

"  Yes,  and  there's  the  peddler,"  cried  the  youth,  pointing 
at  the  picture. 

"Now  can't  you  read  it,  brother?" 

"  To  be  sure  I  can — let  me  read  : 

"  '  There  was  a  little  woman, 

As  I  have  heard  tell, 
'     She  went  to  market 

Her  eggs  for  to  sell.1 

See !  there  she  goes,  with  a  basket  on  her  arm  and  a  cane 
in  her  hand." 

"Yes,  and  here  she  is  again  on  this  side,  fast  asleep, 
and  hsr  basket  of  eggs  sitting  by  her,"  said  Mary;  "  no* 
let  ms  read  the  next : 

" « She  went  to  market, 
All  on  a  market  day, 
And  she  fell  asleep 
On  the  king's  highway.'" 


A   NARRATIVE.  177 

Now  do  you  read  about  the  peddler,  brother.  Mother  used 
to  say  there  was  a  naughty  word  in  it." 

"I  will,"  cried  the  youth,  eagerly;  but  he  paused  and 
looked  steadfastly  at  the  picture  before  him. 

"  Why  don't  you  read  ?"  asked  Mary,  endeavouring  to 
confine  his  thoughts  to  the  childish  employment. 

"That's  a  pretty  skin,  ain't  it?"  said  he,  pointing  to 
the  red  shawl  painted  on  the  picture. 

"  Skin!"  said  Mary ;  "  why,  that's  her  shawl,  brother." 

"I'll  steal  one  for  my  squaw,"  said  he. 

"  Steal,  brother  !"  said  the  trembling  girl. 

"  No  I  won't,  either,  sister — don't  you  know  mother  says 
we  must  never  steal,  nor  tell  stories,  nor  say  bad  words." 

"  That's  right,  brother.  But  you  haven't  got  an  ugly 
syuaw,  have  you  ?" 

"  No  indeed,  sister,  that  I  haven't !" 

"  I  thought  you  wouldn't  have  any  thing  to  do  with  the 
ugly  squaws." 

"  That  I  wouldn't — mine's  a  pretty  one." 

"  Oh,  heaven  !"  cried  the  weeping  girl,  throwing  herself 
on  her  brother's  bosom.  He  kissed  her,  and  strove  to 
comfort  her,  and  turned  to  the  book  and  continued  to  turn 
over  the  leaves,  while-  Mary  sat  by  in  sadness,  but  ever 
and  anon  replying  to  his  childish  questions,  and  still 
striving  to  keep  him  thus  diverted. 

•'Have  you  any  of  the  clothes  you  wore  when  he  was  a 
child  ?"  asked  Glenn,  addressing  Roughgrove. 

"Yes,"  replied  the  old  man;  and  seizing  upon  the 
thought,  he  unlocked  the  trunk  that  contained  them,  and 
put  them  on. 

"  Where's  mother  ?"  suddenly  asked  the  young  chief. 

"  Oh,  she's  dead !"  said  Mary. 

"Dead  ?     I  know  better  !"  said  he,  emphatically. 

"Indeed  she  is,  brother,"  repeated  Mary,  in  tears. 

"  When  did  she  die  ?"  he  continued,  in  a  musing  at 
titude. 

"  A  long  time  ago — when  you  were  away,"  said  she. 

"  I  wasn't  gone  away  long,  was  I  ?"  he  asked,  with  much 
simplicity. 

"  Oh,  very  long — we  thought  you  were  dead." 

"  He  was  a  very  bad  Indian  to  steal  me  away  without 
asking  mother.  But  where's  father  ?  Is  he  dead,  too  ?" 


178  W^D    WESTERN    SCENES: 

he  continued,  lifting  his  eyes  and  beholding  Roughgrove 
attired  in  a  suit  of  velvet,  and  wearing  broad  silver  knee 
buckles.     "Father!  father!"   he  cried,  eagerly  clasping 
the  old  man  in  his  arms. 

"My  poor  boy,  I  will  be  your  father  still!"  said  Rough- 
grove. 

"I  know  you  will,"  said  the  youth,  "for  you  always 
loved  me  a  great  deal,  and  now  that  my  poor  mother's  dead, 
I'm  sure  you  will  love  sister  and  me  more  than  ever." 

"  Indeed  I  will,  poor  child  !  But  you  must  not  go  back 
to  the  naughty  savages  any  more." 

The  youth  gazed  round  in  silence,  and  made  no  reply. 
He  was  evidently  awakening  to  a  consciousness  of  his  con 
dition.  A  frown  of  horror  darkened  his  brow  as  he  con 
templated  the  scenes  of  his  wild  abode  among  the  Indians ; 
and,  when  he  contrasted  his  recent  mode  of  life  with  the 
Elysian  days  of  his  childhood,  now  fresh  in  his  memory, 
.mingled  emotions  of  regret,  fear,  and  bliss  seemed  to  be 
contending  in  his  bosom.  A  cold  dampness  settled  upon 
his  forehead,  his  limbs  trembled  violently,  and  distressful 
sighs  issued  from  his  heaving  breast.  Gradually  he  sank 
down  on  a  couch  at  his  side,  and  closed  his  eyes. 

When  some  minutes  had  elapsed,  during  which  a  death 
like  silence  was  maintained,  Mary  approached  lightly 
to  where  her  father  stood,  and  inquired  if  her  brother 
was  ill. 

"No,"  said  Roughgrove,  in  a  whisper;  "  he  only  sleeps ; 
but  it  is  a  very  sound  slumber." 

"Now  let  us  take  off  his  Indian  dress,"  said  Glenn, 
"and  put  on  him  some  of  my  clothes."  This  was  speedily 
effected,  and  without  awaking  the  youth,  whose  senses  were 
benumbed,  as  if  by  some  powerful  opiate. 

"Now,  Mary,"  said  Roughgrove,  "you  must  likewise 
have  repose.  You  are  almost  exhausted  in  body  and  mind. 
Sleep  at  your  brother's  side,  if  you  will,  poor  girl."  Mary 
laid  her  head  on  William's  pillow,  and  was  soon  in  a  deep 
slumber. 

For  several  moments  Roughgrove  stood  lost  in  thought, 
gazing  alternately  at  the  reposing  brother  and  sister,  and 
Glenn.  He  looked  also  at  Sneak  and  Joe  reclining  by  the 
fire  ;  both  were  fast  asleep.  He  then  resujied  his  seat, 
and  motioned  Glenn  to  do  likewise.  He  bowed  hi«  head  a 


A    NARRATIVE  & 

brief  length   of  time  in   silence,   apparently  recalling  tc 
mind  some  occurrence  of  more  than  ordinary  import. 

"My  young  friend,"  said  he,  at  length,  while  he  placed 
his  withered  hand  upon  Glenn's  knee,  "  do  you  remember 
that  I  said  there  was  another  eecret  connected  with  my 
family?" 

"  Distinctly,"  replied  Glenn  ;  "  and  I  have  since  felt  so 
much  anxiety  to  be  acquainted  with  it  that  I  have  several 
times  been  on  the  eve  of  asking  you  to  gratify  my  curiosi 
ty;  but  thinking  it  might  be  impertinent,  I  have  forborne. 
It  has  more  than  once  occurred  to  me  that  your  condition 
in  life  must  have  been  different  from  what  it  now  is." 

"  It  has  been  different — far  different.  I  will  tell  you 
all.  I  am  a  native  of  England — a  younger  brother,  of 
an  ancient  and  honourable  family,  but  much  decayed  in  for 
tune.  I  was  educated  for  the  ministry.  Our  residence 
was  on  the  Thames,  a  few  miles  distant  from  London,  and 
I  was  early  entered  in  one  of  the  institutions  of  the  great 
city.  While  attending  college,  it  was  my  practice  twice  a 
month  to  visit  my  father's  mansion  on  foot.  I  was  fond  ot 
solitary  musings,  and  the  exercise  was  beneficial  to  my 
weak  frame.  It  was  during  one  of  those  excursions  that- 1 
rescued  a  young  lady  from  the  rude  assaults  of  two  ruffians. 
After  a  brief  struggle,  they  fled.  I  turned  to  the  one  I  had 
so  opportunely  served,  and  was  struck  with  her  unparalleled 
beauty.  Young  ;  a  form  of  symmetrical  loveliness  ;  dark, 
languishing  eyes ,  a  smooth  forehead  of  lily  purity,  and 
auburn  hair  flowing  in  glossy  ringlets — it  was  not  strange 
that  an  impression  should  be  made  on  the  heart  of  a  young 
student.  She  thanked  me  for  my  generous  interposition  in 
such  sweet  and  musical  tones,  that  every  word  thrilled 
pleasantly  through  my  breast.  She  prevailed  upon  me  to 
accompany  her  to  her  mother's  cottage,  but  a  few  hundred 
paces  distant;  and  during  our  walk  thither,  she  hung  con 
fidingly  on  my  arm.  Her  aged  mother  overwhelmed  mo 
with  expressions  of  gratitude.  She  mildly  chid  her  daugh 
ter  for  wandering  so  far  away  in  quest  of  flowers,  and  then 
withdrawing,  left  us  alone.  Again  my  eyes  met  those  of 
the  blushing  maiden — but  it  is  useless  to  dwell  upon  the 
particulars  of  our  mutual  passion.  Suffice  it  to  say  that 
ehe  was  the  only  child  of  her  widowed  mother,  in  moderate 
Vat  independent  circumstances,  and  being  hitherto  secluded 


180  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

from  the  society  of  the  other  sex,  soon  conceived  jfor  my 
visits  were  frequent)  an  affection  as  ardent  as  my  own. 
At  length  I  apprized  my  father  of  the  attachment,  and  asked 
his  consent  to  our  union.  He  refused  to  sanction  the  alli 
ance  in  the  most  positive  terms,  and  commanded  me  never 
to  mention  the  subject  again.  He  said  that  I  was  poor, 
and  that  he  would  not  consent  to  my  marriage  with  any 
other  than  an  heiress.  I  returned  to  London,  resolved  to 
disobey  his  injunction,  for  I  felt  that  my  happiness  entirely 
depended  upon  my  union  with  the  lovely  Juliet.  But  I 
had  never  yet  definitely  expressed  my  desire  to  her.  Yet 
there  could  be  no  doubt  from  her  smiles  that  my  wishes 
would  willingly  be  acceded  to.  I  determined  to  arrange 
every  thing  at  our  next  interview,  and  a  few  weeks  after 
wards  I  repaired  to  the  cottage  for  that  purpose.  Instead  of 
meeting  me  with  her  ever  .blissful  face,  I  found  my  Juliet 
in  tears  !  She  was  alone  ;  but  in  the  adjoining  chamber  1 
heard  a  man's  voice,  and  feared  that  it  was  my  father.  I 
was  mistaken.  Juliet  soon  brushed  away  her  tears,  and  in 
formed  me  that  she  had  been  again  assailed  by  the  same 
ruffians,  and  on  the  lawn  within  sight  of  the  cottage.  She 
said  that  the  gentleman  in  the  next  room  was  her  deliverer. 
I  seized  her  hand,  and  when  about  to  propose  a  plan  to 
secure  her  against  such  annoyances  for  ever,  her  mother 
entered  and  introduced  the  stranger  to  me.  His  name  was 
Nicholson,  and  he  stated  that  he  was  a  partner  in  a  large 
banking  establishment  in  Lombard  Street.  He  was  past  the 
bloom  of  youth,  but  still  his  fine  clothes  and  his  reputed 
wealth  were  displeasing  to  me.  I  was  especially  chagrined 
at  the  marked  attention  shown  him  by  Juliet's  mother. 
And  my  annoyance  was  increased  by  the  frequent  lascivious 
glances  he  cast  at  the  maiden.  The  more  I  marked  him, 
the  more  was  my  uneasiness.  It  soon  occurred  to  me  that 
I  had  seen  him  before !  He  resembled  a  person  I  had 
Been  driving  rapidly  along  the  highway  in  a  chariot,  on  the 
morning  that  I  first  beheld  my  Juliet.  But  my  recollection 
of  his  features  was  indistinct.  There  was  a  condescending 
suavity  in  his  manners,  and  sometimes  a  positive  and  com 
manding  tone  in  his  conversation,  that  almost  roused  my 
enmity  in  spite  of  my  peaceful  calling  and  friendly  dispo 
sition.  It  was  my  intention  to  remain  at  the  cottage,  and 
propose  to  Juliet  after  he  had  departed.  But  my  purpose 


A   NARRATIVE.  181 

was  defeated,  for  he  declared  his  intention  to  enjoy  the 
country  air  till  evening,  and  I  returned,  disappointed  and 
dispirited,  to  the  city. 

"A  few  days  afterwards  I  visited  the  cottage  again. 
What  was  my  surprise  and  vexation  to  behold  Mr.  Nichol 
son  there !  He  was  seated,  with  his  patronizing  smile, 
between  Juliet  and  her  mother,  and  presenting  them  various 
richly  bound  books,  jewels,  &c.,  which  seemed  to  me  to  be 
received  with  much  gratification.  I  was  welcomed  with 
the  usual  frankness  and  pleasure  by  Juliet,  but  I  thought 
her  mother's  reception  was  less  cordial,  and  Mr.  Nicholson 
regarded  me  with  manifest  indifference.  I  made  an  in 
effectual  effort  at  vivacity,  and  after  an  hour's  stay,  during 
which  my  remarks  gradually  narrowed  down  to  monosyl 
lables,  (while  Mr.  Nicholson  became  excessively  loqua 
cious,)  I  rose  to  depart.  Juliet  made  an  endeavour  to  ac 
company  me  to  the  door,  where  I  hoped  to  be  assured  of 
her  true  affection  for  me  by  her  own  lips,  but  some  pointed 
inquiry  (I  do  not  now  recollect  what)  from  Nicholson, 
which  was  seconded  in  a  positive  manner  by  her  mother, 
arrested  her  steps,  and  while  she  hesitated,  I  bad  her 
adieu,  and  departed  for  the  city,  resolved  never  to  see  her 
again. 

"  It  was  about  a  month  after  the  above  occurrence  that 
my  resolution  gave  way,  and  I  was  again  on  the  road  to 
the  cottage,  with  my  mind  made  up  to  forgive  and  forget 
every  thing  that  had  offended  me,  and  to  offer  my  hand 
where  my  heart  seemed  ,to  be  already  irrevocably  fixed. 
When  I  entered  who  should  I  see  but  the  eternal  thwarter 
of  my  happiness,  the  ever-present  Nicholson  !  But  horror ! 
he  was  now  the  wedded  lord  of  Juliet !  The  ceremony  was 
just  over.  There  were  but  two  or  three  strangers  present 
besides  the  clergyman.  Bride,  groom,  guests,  and  all 
were  hateful  to  my  sight.  The  minister,  particularly,  I 
thought  had  a  demoniac  face,  similar  to  that  of  one  of  the 
ruffians  who  had  tested  the  quality  of  my  cane.  Juliet  cast 
a  look  at  me  with  more  jf  sadness  than  joy  in  it.  She  of 
fered  me  her  hand  in  silent  salutation,  and  it  trembled  m 
my  grasp.  The  deed  was  done.  Pity  for  the  maiden  who 
had  been  thus  sacrificed  to  secure  a  superabundance  of 
Tealth  which  could  never  be  enjoyed,  and  sorrow  at  my 
ovvn  forlorn  condition,  weighed  heavily,  oh,  how  heavily! 

iti 


182  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

on  my  heait.  I  returned  to  my  lonely  and  desolate  lodg 
ings  without  a  malicious  feeling  for  the  one  who  had  rob 
bed  me  of  every  hope  of  earthly  enjoyment.  I  prayed  that 
he  might  make  Juliet  happy. 

"  But,  alas !  her  happiness  was  of  short  duration.  Scarce 
six  months  had  passed  before  Mr.  Nicholson  began  to  neg 
lect  his  youthful  and  confiding  bride.  She  had  still  remain 
ed  at  her  mother's  cottage,  while,  as  she  stated,  his  estab 
lishment  was  being  fitted  up  in  town  for  their  reception, 
lie  at  first  drove  out  to  the  cottage  every  evening;  but 
soon  afterwards  fell  into  the  habit  of  visiting  his  bride  only 
two  or  three  times  a  week.  He  neither  carried  her  into 
society  nor  brought  home  any  visitors.  Yet  he  seemed  to 
possess  immense  wealth,  and  bestowed  it  upon  Juliet  with 
a  liberal,  nay,  profuse  hand.  My  young  friend,  what 
kind  of  a  character  do  you  suppose  this  Mr.  Nicholson  to 
have  been?"  said  the  old  man,  pausing,  and  turning  to 
Glenn,  who  had  been  listening  to  the  narrative  with  marked 
attention. 

"  He  was  an  impostor — a  gambler,"  replied  Glenn, 
promptly. 

"He  was  an  impostor!  but  no  adventurous  gambler,  as 
you  suppose.  I  will  proceed.  About  seven  months  after 
his  marriage,  he  abandoned  Juliet  altogether !  Yet  he  did 
not  forget  her  entirely.  He  may  have  felt  remorse  for  the 
ruin  he  had  wrought — or  perhaps  a  slight  degree  of  affection 
for  his  unborn ;  and  costly  presents,  and  many  con 
siderable  sums  of  money,  were  sent  by  him  to  the  cottage. 
But  neither  the  aged  mother  nor  the  deserted  wife  found 
the  consolation  they  desired  in  his  prodigal  gifts.  They 
sent  me  a  note,  informing  me  of  their  distressful  condition, 
and  requesting  me  to  ascertain  the  locality  of  Mr.  Nichol 
son's  establishment,  and,  if  possible,  to  find  out  the  cause 
of  his  unnatural  conduct.  I  did  all  in  my  power  to  accom 
plish  what  they  desired.  I  repaired  to  the  cottage,  unable 
to  give  the  least  intelligence  of  Mr.  Nicholson.  I  had  not 
been  able  to  find  any  one  who  had  ever  heard  of  him. 
Juliet  became  almost  frantic.  She  determined  to  seek  him 
herself.  At  her  urgent  solicitation,  I  accompanied  her  to 
;he  city  in  an  open  curricle.  A  pitying  Providence  soon 
terminated  her  insupportable  suspense.  While  we  were 
Iriviug  through  iljde  1'uik,  we  »u'e  forcibly  stopped  to 


A   NARRATIVE.  183 

permit,  among  the  throng,  the  passage  of  a  splendid  equi 
page.  The  approaching  carriage  was  likewise  an  open  one. 
Juliet  glanced  at  the  inmates,  and  uttering  a  wild  piercing 
ehriek,  fainted  in  my  arms.  I  looked,  and  saw  her  quon 
dam  husband  !  He  was  decked  in  the  magnificent  insignia 
of  ROYALTY.  Nobles  were  bowing,  high-born  ladies  smiling, 
and  the  multitude  shouted,  '  There  comes  his  royal  high 
ness,  the  Prince  of ' 

"Man  cannot  punish  him,"  continued  Roughgrove,  "but 
God  can.  HE  will  deal  justly,  both  with  the  proud  and 
the  oppressed.  But  to  return.  He  saw  Juliet.  A  few 
minutes  after  the  gorgeous  retinue  swept  past,  one  of  the 
prince's  attendants  came  with  a  note.  Juliet  was  insensi 
ble.  I  took  it  from  the  messenger's  hand,  and  started  when 
I  looked  the  villain  in  the  face.  He  had  been  the  parson ! 
He  smiled  at  the  recognition  !  I  hurled  my  cane  at  his 
head,  and  hastened  back  to  the  cottage  with  a  physician  in 
attendance.  Juliet  soon  recovered  from  her  swoon.  But 
a  frenzied  desperation  was  manifest  in  her  pale  features. 
I  left  her  in  her  mother's  charge,  and  returned  in  agony 
to  my  lodgings.  That  night  a  raging  fever  seized  upon 
my  brain,  and  for  months  I  was  the  victim  of  excruciating 
disease.  When  convalescent,  but  still  confined  to  my 
room,  I  chanced  to  run  my  eye  over  one  of  the  daily 
papers,  and  was  petrified  to  see  the  name  of  Mrs.  Nichol 
son,  in  the  first  article  that  attracted  my  attention,  in  con 
nection  with  an  attempt  upon  the  life  of  the  king !  She 
had  been  seized  with  a  fit  of  temporary  insanity,  and  driv 
ing  to  town,  sought  her  betrayer  with  the  intention  of 
shedding  his  blood.  She  waited  at  the  gate  of  St.  James's 
palace  until  a  carriage  drove  up  in  which  she  expected  to 
find  the  prince.  It  was  the  king — yet  she  did  not  discover 
her  error  until  the  blow  was  made.  The  steel  did  not  per 
form  its  office,  as  you  are  aware  from  the  history  of  Eng 
land,  in  which  this  event  is  recorded.  The  king  humanely 
pardoned  her  on  the  spot.  A  single  word  she  uttered  ac 
quainted  him  with  her  history,  and  her  piteous  looks  made 
an  extraordinary  impression  on  his  mind.  He  too,  had, 
perhaps,  sported  with  innocent  beauty.  And  now  the 
spectre  of  the  weeping  maniac  haunted  his  visions.  Soon 
be  became  one  himself.  The  name  of  Juliet  foriunately 
was  net  published  in  the  journals.  It  was  by  Borne  raeaua 


184  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

incorrectly  stated  that  the  woman  who  attacked  the  king 
was  named  Margaret  Nicholson,  and  so  it  remains  on  the 
page  of  history. 

"  As  soon  as  I  was  able  to  leave  my  chamber,  I  repaired 
to  the  cottage.  Juliet  was  a  mother.  Reason  had  returned, 
and  she  strove  to  submit  with  Christian  humility  to  her  piti 
able  lot.  She  received  me  with  the  same  sweet  smile  that 
had  formerly  beamed  on  her  guileless  face.  Her  mother, 
the  promoter  of  the  fancied  advantageous  alliance,  now 
seemed  to  suffer  most  They  both  clung  to  me  as  their 
only  remaining  friend,  and  in  truth  I  learned  that  all  other 
friends  had  forsaken  them.  I  looked  upon  the  deceived, 
outraged,  but  still  innocent  Juliet,  with  pity.  Her  little 
cherub  twins " 

"Twins!"  echoed  Glenn. 

"Ay,  twins,"  replied  Roughgrove,  "and  they  lie  behind 
you  now,  side  by  side,  on  yonder  bed." 

Glenn  turned  and  gazed  a  moment  in  silence  on  the 
sleeping  forms  of  William  and  Mary. 

"  Her  poor  little  ones  excited  my  compassion.  They 
were  not  blamable  for  their  father's  crime,  nor  could  they 
enjoy  the  advantages  of  his  exalted  station.  They  were 
without  a  protector  in  the  world.  Juliet's  mother  was  last 
sinking  under  the  calamity  she  had  herself  in  a  great  mea 
sure  wrought.  My  heart  melted  when  I  contemplated  the 
sad  condition  of  the  only  female  I  had  ever  loved.  It  was 
not  long  before  the  fires  of  affection  again  gleamed  brightly 
in  my  breast.  Juliet  had  committed  no  crime,  either  in  the 
eyes  of  man  or  God.  She  did  not  intend  to  err.  She  had 
acted  in  good  faith.  .  She  had  never  designed  to  transgress 
either  the  laws  of  earth  or  heaven,  and  although  the  dis 
guised  prince  did  not  wholly  possess  her  heart,  yet  she 
deemed  it  a  duty  to  be  governed  by  the  advice  of  her  pa 
rent.  These  things  I  explained  to  her,  and  when  her  con- 
icience  was  appeased  by  the  facts  which  I  demonstrated, 
Her  peace  in  some  measure  returned,  but  she  was  still  sub 
ject  to  occasional  melancholy  reflections.  Perhaps  she 
thought  of  me — how  my  heart  had  suffered  (for,  young  as  I 
was,  the  occurrence  brought  premature  gray  hairs;  and 
even  now,  although  my  head  is  white,  I  have  seen  but  little 
more  than  forty  years) — and  how  haupy  we  might  have 
travelled  life's  journey  together.  I  seized  such  a  ir.v/went 


A   NARRATIVE.  18? 

to  rene^  my  proposals.  She  declined,  but  declined  in 
tears.  I  returned  to  the  city  with  the  intention  to  repeat 
the  offer  the  next  time  we  met.  Not  many  weeks  elapsed 
before  her  aged  mother  was  consigned  to  the  tomb.  Poor 
Juliet's  condition  was  now  immeasurably  lamentable.  She 
had  neither  friend  nor  protector.  I  again  urged  my  suit, 
and  was  successful.  But  she  required  of  me  a  promise  to 
retire  from  the  world  for  ever.  I  cheerfully  agreed,  for  I 
was  disgusted  with  the  vanity  and  wickedness  of  my  spe 
cies.  We  came  hither.  You  know  the  rest." 

When  Roughgrove  ceased  speaking,  the  night  was  far 
advanced,  and  a  perfect  silence  reigned.  Without  utter 
ing  another  word,  he  and  Glenn  rose  from  their  seats,  and 
repairing  to  the  remaining  unoccupied  couch,  ere  long 
yielded  to  the  influence  of  tranquil  slumber. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

William's  illness — Sneak's  strange  house — Joe's  courage — The  bee  hunt 
— Joe  and  Sneak  captured  by  the  Indians — Their  sad  condition  — 
Preparations  to  burn  them  alive — Their  miraculous  escape. 

JUST  before  the  dawn  of  day,  Roughgrove  and  Glenn 
were  awakened  by  Mary.  She  was  weeping  at  the  bed 
side  of  William. 

"What's  the  matter,  child?"  asked  Roughgrove,  rising 
up  and  lighting  the  lamp. 

"-Poor  brother  !"  said  she,  and  her  utterance  failed  her. 

"  He  has  a  raging  fever !"  said  Glenn,  who  had  ap 
proached  the  bed  and  placed  his  hand  upon  the  young 
man's  temples. 

"  True — and  I  fear  it  will  be  fatal !"  said  Roughgrove, 
in  alarm,  as  he  held  the  unresisting  wrist  of  the  panting 
youth. 

"Fear  not,"  said  Glenn  ;  "  God  directs  all  things.  This 
violent  illness,  too,  may  in  the  end  be  a  blessing.  Let  us 
do  all  in  our  power  to  restore  him  to  health,  and  leave  the 

16* 


136  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

rest  to  Him.  I  was  once  an  ardent  student  of  medicine, 
and  t'ne  knowledge  I  acquired  may  be  of  some  avail." 

"I  will  pray  for  his  recovery,"  said  Mary,  bowing  down 
at  the  foot  of  the  bed. 

"  Dod — I  mean — Joe,  it's  most  daylight,"  said  Sneak, 
rising  up  and  rubbing  his  eyes. 

"  Well,  what  if  it  is ?  what  are  you  waking  me  up  for?" 
replied  Joe,  turning  over  on  his  rude  pallet. 

;i  Why,  I'm  going  home." 

"  Well,  clear  out  then." 

"  But  you'll  have  to  get  up  and  shut  the  gate  after  me/' 

"  Plague  take  it  all,  I  believe  you're  just  trying  to  spoil 
my  nap  !"  said  Joe,  much  vexed. 

"No  I  ain't,  Joe;  I'm  in  earnest,  indeed  I  am,"  con 
tinued  Sneak  ;  "  bekaise  I  hain't  been  inside  of  my  house, 
now,  for  three  or  four  days,  and  who  knows  but  the  dod — 
I  mean  the — Indians  have  been  there  and  stole  all  my 
muskrat  skins  ? 

"  If  they  have,  then  there's  no  use  in  looking  for  them 
now." 

"•  If  they  have,  dod — I  mean,  burn  me  if  I  don't  foller 
em  to  the  other  end  of  creation  but  I'll  have  'em  back 
agin.  But  I  ain't  much  afeard  that  they  saw  my  house — 
they  might  rub  agin  it  without  knowing  it  was  a  house." 

"  That's  a  pretty  tale,"  said  Joe,  now  thoroughly 
awakened,  and  staring  incredulously  in  his  companion's 
face. 

"It's  a  fact." 

"  Whereabouts  is  your  house  ?" 

"  Why,  it's  in  the  second  valley  we  crossed  when  we 
went  after  the  wolves  on  the  island." 

"  Then  your  sjtins  are  gone,"  said  Joe,  "for  the  Indians 
have  been  in  that  valley." 

"  I  know  they  was  there  well  enough,"  said  Sneak ; 
"  but  didn't  I  say  they  couldn't  find  the  house,  even  if 
they  was  to  scratch  their  backs  agin  it?'' 

"  What  kind  of  a  house  is  it  ?" 

"  'Spose  you  come  along  and  see,"  said  Sneak,  groping 
about  iu  the  dim  twilight  for  his  cap,  arid  the  gun  Glenn 
had  given  him. 

"I  should  like  to  see  it,  just  out  of  curiosity,"  »e- 
ol'ed  Joe 


A    NAl'RATIVE.  IS'' 

"Then  go  along  wi*-h  Sneak/'  said  Glenn,  who  ap 
proached  the  fire  to  prepare  some  medicine  ;  "it  is  neces 
gary  that  every  thing  should  be  quiet  and  still  here." 

"  If  you'll  help  me  to  feed  and  water  the  horses,  Sneak, 
I'll  go  home  with  you,"  said  Joe.  •  Sneak  readily  agreed 
to  the  proposition,  and  by  the  time  it  was  quite  light,  and 
yet  before  the  sun  rose,  the  labour  was  accomplished, 
and  they  set  out  together  for  the  designated  valley.  Their 
course  was  somewhat  different  from  that  pursued  when  in 
quest  of  the  wolves,  for  Sneak's  habitation  was  about  mid 
way  between  the  river  and  the  prairie,  and  they  diverged 
in  a  westerly  direction.  But  their  progress  was  slow 
During  the  night  there  had  been  a  change  in  the  atmo 
sphere,  and  a  constant  breeze  from  the  south  had  in  a 
great  measure  softened  the  snow-crust,  so  that  our  pedes 
trians  frequently  broke  through. 

"  This  is  not  the  most  agreeable  walking  I  ever  saw," 
said  Joe,  breaking  through  and  tumbling  down  on  his 
face. 

"  That's  jest  as  much  like  swimming  as  walking,"  said 
Sneak,  smiling  at  the  blunder  of  his  companion. 

"  Smash  it,  Sneak,"  continued  Joe,  rising  up  with  some 
difficulty,  "  I  don't  half  like  this  breaking-through  busi 
ness." 

"You  must  walk  lighter,  and  then  you  won't  break 
through,"  said  Sneak;  "tread  soft  like  I  do,  and  put  your 

feet  down  flat.     I  hain't  broke   in  once" But   before 

the  sentence  was  uttered,  Sneak  had  broken  through  him 
self,  and  stood  half-submerged  in  the  snow. 

"  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  you  musn't  count  your  chickens  before 
they're  hatched,"  said  Joe,  laughing  ;  "  but  you  may  score 
one,  now  you  have  broken  the  shell." 

"  I  got  in  that  time,"  said  Sneak,  now  winding  through 
the  bushes  with  much  caution,  as  if  it  were  truly  in  his 
power  to  diminish  the  weight  of  his  body  by  a  peculiar 
mode  of  walking. 

"  This  thaw  '11  be  good  for  one  thing,  any  how,"  said 
Joe,  after  they  had  progressed  some  time  in  silence. 

"What's  that?"  asked  Sneak. 

"  ^"ny,  it  '11  keep  the  Indians  away ;  they  can't  travel 
through  the  slush  when  the  crust  is  melted  off." 

"That's  as  true  as  print,"  replied   Sjieak;  and  if  none 


188  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

of  'em  follered  us  back  to  the  settlement,  we  needn't  look 
for  'em  agin  till  spring." 

"I  wonder  if  any  of  them  did  follow  us?"  asked  Joe, 
pausing  abruptly. 

"  How  can  anybody  tell  till  they  see  'em  ?"  replied 
Sneak.  "  What're  you  stopping  for  ?" 

"  I'm  going  back,"  said  Joe. 

"  Dod — you're  a  fool — that's  jest  what  you  are.  Hain't 
we  got  our  guns  ?  and  if  there  is  any  about,  ain't  they  in 
the  bushes  close  to  Mr.  Glenn's  house  ?  and  hain't  we 
passed  through  'em  long  ago  ?  But  I  don't  keer  any  thing 
about  your  cowardly  company — go  back,  if  you  want  to," 
said  Sneak,  striding  onward. 

"  Sneak,  don't  go  so  fast.  I  haven't  any  notion  of  going 
back,"  said  Joe,  springing  nimbly  to  his  companion's  side. 

"I  believe  you're  afeard  to  go  back  by  yourself,"  said 
Sneak,  laughing  heartily. 

"  Pshaw,  Sneak,  I  don't  think  any  of  'em  followed  us, 
do  you?"  continued  Joe,  peering  at  the  bushes  and  treea 
in  the  valley,  which  they  were  entering. 

"  No."  said  Sneak  ;  "  I  only  wanted  to  skeer  you  a  bit." 

"  I've  killed  too  many  savages  to  be  scared  by  them  now," 
said  Joe,  carelessly  striding  onward. 

"What  was  you  a  going  back  for,  if  you  wasn't 
skeered?" 

"  I  wonder  what  always  makes  you  think  I'm  frightened 
when  I  talk  of  going  into  the  house !  Sneak,  you're  al 
ways  mistaken.  I  wasn't  thinking  about  myself — I  only 
wanted  to  put  Mr.  Glenn  on  his  guard." 

"  Then  what  made  you  tell  that  wapper  for,  the  other 
night,  about  cutting  that  Indian's  throat  ?" 

"  How  do  you  know  it  was  a  wapper  ?"  asked  Joe,  some 
what  embarrassed  by  Sneak's  home-thrust. 

"  Bekaise,  don't  I  know  that  I  cut  his  juggler-vein  my 
self?  Didn't  the  blood  gush  all  over  me  ?  and  didn't  he 
fall  down  dead  before  he  had  time  to  holler  ?"  continued 
Sneak,  with  much  warmth  and  earnestness. 

"Sneak,"  said  Joe,  "  I've  no  doubt  you  thought  he  was 
dead — but  then  you  must  know  it's  nearly  as  hard  to  kill 
a  man  as  a  cat.  You  might  have  been  mistaken ;  every 
body  js  liable  to  be  deceived — even  a  person's  eyes  deceive 
him  sometimes.  I  aon't  pretend  to  say  that  I  harvtn't  V»een 


A   NARRATIVE.  189 

mistaken  before  now,  myself.  It  may  be  possible  that  1 
was  mistaken  about  the  Indian  as  well  as  you — I  might 
nave  just  thought  I  saw  him  move.  But  I  was  there  longei 
than  you,  and  the  inference  is  that  I  didn't  stand  as  good 
a.  chance  to  be  deceived." 

"Well,  I  can't  answer  all  that,"  said  Sneak;  "but  I'll 
iwear  I  felt  my  knife  grit  agin  his  neck-bone." 

Joe  did  not  desire  to  pursue  the  subject  any  further,  and 
they  proceeded  on  their  way  in  silence,  ever  and  anon 
breaking  through  the  snow-crust.  The  atmosphere  became 
still  more  temperate  when  the  bright  sun  beamed  over  the 
horizon.  Drops  of  water  trickled  down  from  the  snow-' 
covered  branches  of  the  trees,  and  a  few  birds  flitted  over 
head,  and  uttered  imperfect  lays. 

"Here  we  are,"  said  Sneak,  halting  in  the  midst  of  a 
clump  of  enormous  sycamore  trees,  over  whose  roots  a 
sparkling  rivulet  glided  with  a  gurgling  sound. 

"I  know  we're  here,"  said  Joe;  "but  what  are  you 
stopping  /jersfor?" 

"Here's  where  I  live,"  replied  Sneak,  with  a  comical 
smile  playing  on  his  lips. 

"But  where's  your  house?"  asked  Joe. 

"  Didn't  I  say  you  couldn't  find  it,  even  if  you  was  to 
rub  your  back  agin  it  ?" 

"  I  know  I'm  not  rubbing  against  your  house  now," 
replied  Joe.  turning  round  and  looking  up  in  the  huge  tree 
he  had  been  leaning  against. 

"But  you  have  been  leaning  agin  my  house,"  continued 
Sneak,  amused  at  the  incredulous  face  of  his  companion. 

"  I  know  better,"  persisted  Joe  ;  "  this  big  sycamore  is 
the  only  thing  I've  leant  against  since  we  started." 

"  Jest  foller  me,  and  I'll  show  you  something,"  said 
Sneak,  stepping  round  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  tree, 
where  the  ascent  on  the  north  rose  abruptly  from  the  roots. 
Here  he  removed  a  thin  flat  stone  of  about  four  feet  in 
height,  that  stood  in  a  vertical  position  against  the  tree. 

"  You  don't  live  in  there,  Sneak,  surely  ;  why  that  looks 
like  a  wolf's  den,"  said  Joe,  perceiving  a  dark  yawning 
aperture,  and  that  the  immense  tree  was  but  a  mere  shell 

"Keep  at  my  heels,"  said  Sneak,  stooping  down  and 
crawling  into  the  tree.  . 

"  7'd  rather  not,"  said  Joe ;  "  there  may  be  a  bear  in  it-'v 


190  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

Soon  a  clicking  sound  was  heard  within,  and  the  next 
moment  Joe  perceived  the  nickering  rays  of  a  small  lamp 
that  Sneak  held  in  his  hand,  illuminating  the  sombre  re- 
cesses  of  the  novel  habitation. 

"  Why  don't  you  come  in  ?"  asked  Sneak. 
"  Sneak,  how  do  you  know  there  ain't  a  bear  up  in  \fc.e 
hollow  ?"  asked  Joe,  crawling  in  timidly  and  endeavouring 
to  peer  through  the  darkness  far  above,  where  even  the  raya 
of  the  lamp  could  not  penetrate. 

"  I  wonder  if  you  think  I'd  let  a  bear  sleep  in  my  house," 
continued  Sneak,  searching  among  a  number  of  boxes  and 
rude  shelves,  to  see  if  any  thing  had  been  molested  during 
his  absence.  Finding  every  thing  safe,  he  handed  Joe  a 
stool,  and  began  to  kindle  a  fire  in  a  small  stone  furnace. 
Joe  sat  down  in  silence,  and  looked  about  in  astonishment. 
And  the  scene  was  enough  to  excite  the  wonder  of  an 
Irishman.  The  interior  of  the  tree  was  full  eight  feet  ir 
diameter,  while  the  eye  was  lost  above  in  undeveloped  re 
gions.  Below,  there  was  a  surface  of  smooth  stones,  which 
were  comfortably  carpeted  over  with  buffalo  robes.  At  one 
side  was  a  diminutive  fireplace,  or  furnace,  constructed  of 
three  flat  stones  about  three  inches  in  thickness.  The 
largest  was  laid  horizontally  on  the  ground,  and  the  others 
placed  upright  on  it,  and  attached  to  a  clay  chimney,  that 
was  by  some  means  confined  to  the  interior  side  of  the  tree, 
and  ran  upward  until  it  was  lost  in  the  darkness.  After 
gazing  in  amazement  several  minutes  at  this  strange  con 
trivance,  Joe  exclaimed : 

"  Sneak,  I  don't  understand  this !  Where  does  that 
smoke  go  to  ?" 

"Go  out  doors  and  see  if  you  can't  see,"  replied  Sneak, 
placing  more  fuel  on  the  blazing  fire.  . 

"  Go  out  of  the  hole  you  mean  to  &ay,"  said  Joe,  creep 
ing  out. 

"  You  may  call  it  jest  what  you  like,"  said  Sneak ;  "but 
I'll  be  switched  if  many  folks  lives  in  higher  houses  than 
f  does." 

"Well,  I'll  declare  !"  cried  Joe. 

"What  ails  you  now?"  asked  Sneak,  thrusting  his  head 
out  of  the  aperture,  and  regarding  the  surprise  of  Joe  with 
much  satisfaction. 

"  Why,  I  see  the  smoke  pouring  out  of  a  hole  in  a 


A   NARRATIVE.  191 

not  much  bigger  than  my  thigh  !"  cried  Joe.  This  was 
true.  Sneak  had  mounted  up  in  the  tree  before  building 
his  chimney,  and  finding  a  hollow  bough  that  communi 
cated  directly  with  the  main  trunk,  had  cut  through  into  the 
cavity,  and  thus  made  a  vent  for  the  escape  of  the  smoke. 

"  Come  in  now,  and  get  something  to  eat,"  eaid  Sneak. 
This  was  an  invitation  that  Joe  was  never  known  to  decline. 
After  casting  another  admiring  glance  at  the  blue  vapour 
that  issued  from  the  bough  some  ninety  feet  from  the  ground, 
he  passed  through  the  cavity  with  alacrity. 

"  Where  are  you  ?"  cried  Joe,  upon  entering  and  looking 
round  in  vain  for  his  host,  who  had  vanished  in  a  most 
inexplicable  manner.  Joe  stared  in  astonishment.  The 
lighted  lamp  remained  on  a  box,  that  was  designed  for 
the  breakfast-table,  and  on  which  there  was  in  truth  an 
abundance  of  dried  venison  and  smoking  potatoes.  But 
where  was  Sneak  ? 

"Sneak,  what's  become  of  you?"  continued  Joe,  eagerly 
listening  for  a  reply,  and  anxiously  scanning  the  tempting 
repast  set  before  him.  "  I  know  you're  at  some  of  your 
tricks,"  he  added,  and  sitting  down  at  the  table,  com 
menced  in  no  indifferent  manner  to  discuss  the  savoury 
venison  and  potatoes. 

"  I'm  only  up  stairs,"  cried  Sneak,  in  the  darkness 
above  ;  and  throwing  down  a  rope  made  of  hides,  the  upper 
end  of  which  was  fastened  to  the  tree  within,  he  soon  fol 
lowed,  slipping  briskly  down,  and  without  delay  sprang 
to  Joe's  assistance. 

When  the  meal  was  finished,  or  rather,  when  every  thing 
set  before  them  had  vanished,  Sneak  rose  up  and  thrust  his 
long  neck  out  of  the  aperture. 

"  \Vhat  are  you  looking  at  ?"  asked  Joe. 

"  I'm  looking  at  the  warm  sun  shining  agin  yonder  side 
of  the  hill,"  said  Sneak;  "how'd  you  "ike  to  go  a  bee- 
hunting  ?" 

"  A  bee-hunting  !"  iterated  Joe.  "  I  wonder  if  you  think 
we  could  find  a  bee  at  this  season  of  the  year  ?  and  I 
should  like  to  know  what  it'd  be  worth  when  we  found  it.'* 

"  Plague  take  the  bee — I  mean  the  honey — don't  you  like 
wild  honey  ?"  continued  Sneak. 

"Yes,"  said  Joe;  "but  how  can  you  find  any  when 
there's  such  .a  snow  as  this  on  the  ground?" 


192  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

"When  there's  a  snow,  that's  the  time  to  find  'em,"  said 
Sneak  ;  "  peticuly  when  the  sun  shines  warm.  Jest  come 
out  here  and  look,"  he  continued,  stepping  along,  and 
followed  by  Joe  ;  "  don't  you  see  yander  big  stooping 
limb?" 

"Yes,"  replied  Joe,  gazing  at  the  bough  pointed  out. 

"Well,"  continued  Sneak,  "  there's  a  bee's  nest  in  that. 
Look  here,"  he  added,  picking  from  the  snow  several 
dead  bees  that  had  been  thrown  from  the  hive ;  "  now 
this  is  the  way  with  all  wild  bees  (but  these  are  tame, 
for  they  live  in  my  house),  for  when  there  comes  a  warm 
day  they're  sartin  as  fate  to  throw  out  the  dead  ones,  and 
we  can  find  where  they  are  as  easy  as  any  thing  in  the 
world." 

"  Sneak,  my  mouth's  watering — suppose  we  take  the 
axe  and  go  and  hunt  for  some  honey." 

"Let's  be  off,  then,"  said  Sneak,  getting  his  axe,  and 
preparing  to  place  the  stone  against  the  tree. 

"Stop,  Sneak,"  said  Joe ;  "let  me  get  my  gun  before 
you  shut  the  door." 

"  I  guess  we'd  better  leave  our  guns,  and  then  we  won't 
be  so  apt  to  break  through,"  replied  Sneak,  closing  up  the 
aperture. 

"  The  bees  won't  sting  us,  will  they  ?"  asked  Joe,  turn 
ing  to  his  companion  when  they  had  attained  the  high- 
timbered  ridge  that  ran  parallel  with  the  valley. 

"  If  you  chaw  'em  in  your  mouth  they  will,"  replied 
Sneak,  striding  along  under  the  trees  with  his  head  bent 
down,  and  minutely  examining  every  small  dark  object  he 
found  lying  on  the  surface  of  the  snow. 

"  I  know  that  as  well  as  you  do,"  continued  Joe,  "  be 
cause  that  would  thaw  them." 

"  Well,  if  they're  froze,  how  kin  they  sting  you  ?" 

"You  needn't  be  so  snappish,"  replied  Joe.  "I just 
asked  for  information.  I  know  as  well  as  anybody  they're 
frozen  or  torpid." 

"  Or  what  ?"  asked  Sneak. 

"  Torpid,"  said  Joe. 

"  I'll  try  to  'member  that  word,"  continued  Sneak,  peep 
ing  under  a  spreading  oak  that  was  surrounded  by  a  dense 
hazel  thicket. 

"  Do,"  continued  Joe,  contemptuously,  "  and  if  you'13 


A    NARRATIVE.  193 

only  recollect  all  you  hear  me  say,  you  may  get  a  tolerable 
education  after  a  while." 

"  I'll  be  shivered  if  this  ain't  the  edication  I  wan't,"  said 
Sneak,  turning  round  with  one  or  two  dead  bees  in  his 
hand,  that  he  had  found  near  the  root  of  the  tree. 

"  Huzza !"  cried  Joe,  "  we'll  have  a  mess  of  honey  now. 
I  see  the  hole  where  they  are — its  in  a  limb,  and  we  won't 
have  to- cut  down  the  tree,"  and  before  Sneak  could  inter 
pose,  Joe  mounted  up  among  the  branches,  and  asked  for 
the  axe,  saying  he  would  have  the  bough  off  in  five  minutes. 
Sneak  gave  it  to  him,  and  when  he  reached  the  place,  (which 
was  not  more  than  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground,)  he  com 
menced  cutting  away  with  great  eagerness.  The  cavity 
was  large,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  bough  began  to  give 
way.  In  spite  of  Sneak's  gesticulations  and  grimaces  be 
low,  Joe  did  not  bethink  him  that  one  of  his  feet  still  rested 
on  the  bough  beyond  the  place  where  he  was  cutting,  but 
continued  to  ply  the  axe  with  increasing  rapidity.  Presently 
the  bough,  axe,  and  Joe,  all  fell  together.  Sneak  was  con 
vulsed  with  laughter.  Joe  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  after 
feeling  his  limbs  and  ribs,  announced  that  no  bones  were 
broken,  and  laughed  very  heartily  himself.  They  began 
to  split  open  the  severed  bough  without  loss  of  time.  But 
just  when  they  were  in  the  act  of  lifting  out  the  honeycomb, 
four  stalwart  savages  rose  softly  from  the  bushes  behind, 
and  springing  nimbly  forward,  seized  them  both  before  they 
could  make  any  resistance.  The  surprised  couple  yelled 
and  struggled  to  no  purpose.  Their  hands  were  soon 
bound  behind  them,  and  they  were  driven  forward  hastily 
in  a  southerly  direction. 

"  Oh !  for  goodness  sake,  Mr.  Chief,  please  let  me  go 
home,  and  I'll  pay  you  whatever  you  ask !"  said  Joe,  ta 
the  tallest  of  the  savages. 

The  Indian,  if  he  did  not  understand  his  captive's  words, 
seemed  to  comprehend  his  terrors,  and  was  much  diverted 
at  his  ludicrous  expression  of  features. 

"Oh  pray!  good  Mr.  Chief " 

"  Keep  your  mouth  shet !  They'll  never  git  through 
torturing  us,  if  you  let  'em  know  you're  afraid,"  said 
Sneak. 

"That's  just  what  I  want,"  said  Joe;  "I  don't  want 
diem  to  ever  quit  torturing  us — because  they'll  never  qmit 

17 


191  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

till  we're  both  dead.  But  as  long  as  they  laugh  at  me, 
they'll  be  sure  to  let  me  live." 

Ere  long,  the  savages  with  their  captives,  entered  the 
dense  grove  where  Mary  had  been  taken,  before  they  set 
out  with  her  over  the  prairie.  But  it  was  evidently  not 
their  intention  to  conduct  their  present  prisoners  to  thoir 
villages,  and  demand  a  ransom  for  them.  Nor  were  they 
prepared  to  convey  them  away  in  the  same  dignified  and 
comfortable  manner,  over  the  snow-clad  plains.  They 
anticipated  a  gratification  of  a  different  nature.  They  had 
been  disappointed  in  all  their  attempts  to  obtain  booty  from 
the  whites.  The  maid  they  had  taken  had  been  recaptured, 
and  their  chief  was  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy.  These, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  loss  of  a  score  of  their  brethren  by 
the  fire-weapons  of  the  white  men,  stimulated  them  with 
unerring  precision  to  compass  the  destruction  of  their 
prisoners.  Blood  only  could  satiate  their  vengeful  feelings. 
And  the  greater  and  longer  the  sufferings  of  their  victims 
the  more  exquisite  would  be  the  luxury  of  revenge.  And 
this  caused  them  to  smile  with  positive  delight  when  they 
witnessed  the  painful  terrors  of  poor  Joe. 

When  they  reached  their  place  of  encampment,  which 
vi  as  in  the  midst  of  a  cluster  of  small  slim  trees  that  en 
circled  an  old  spreading  oak  of  huge  dimensions,  the  sa 
vages  made  their  prisoners  stand  with  their  backs  against 
two  saplings  that  grew  some  fifteen  paces  apart.  They 
were  compelled  to  face  each  other,  that  they  might  witness 
every  thing  that  transpired.  Their  arms  were  bound  round 
the  trees  behind  them,  and  a  cord  was  likewise  passed 
round  their  legs  to  confine  them  more  securely.  The  sa 
vages  then  seemed  to  consult  about  the  manner  of  despatchi 
ng  them.  The  oldest  and  most  experienced,  by  his  hasty 
gestures  and  impatient  replies,  appeared  to  insist  on  their 
instantaneous  death.  And  from  his  frequent  glances  north 
ward,  through  the  trees,  he  doubtless  feared  some  interrup 
tion,  or  dreaded  the  arrival  of  an  enemy  that  might  inflici 
an  ample  retaliation.  During  a  long  pause,  while  the  In 
dians  seemed  to  hesitate,  and  the  old  crafty  savage  drew 
his  steel  tomahawk  from  his  belt,  Sneak  sighed  deeply, 
and  said,  in  rather  mournful  tones — 

"  The  jig's  up  with  us,  Joe.  If  I  was  only  loose  seven 
seconds,  you  wouldn't  ketch  me  dying  like  a  soon  ner* 


JOE  AND  SNEAK  IN  DIFFICULTY.— P.  ig4. 


A   NARRATIVE.  195 

agin  a  tree."  Joe  made  no  other  response  than  a  blubber 
ing  sound,  while  the  tears  ran  down  and  dropped  briskly 
from  his  chin. 

The  savages  gave  vent  to  a  burst  of  laughter  when  they 
beheld  the  agony  of  fear  that  possessed  their  captive. 
The  three  that  were  in  favour  of  the  slow  torture  now  turned 
a  deaf  ear  to  the  old  warrior,  and  advanced  to  Joe.  They 
held  the  palms  of  their  hands  under  his  chin,  and  caught 
the  tears  as  they  fell.  They  then  stroked  his  head  gently, 
and  appeared  to  sympathize  with  the  sufferer. 

"  Mr.  Indian,  if  you'll  let  me  go,  I'll  give  you  my  gun 
and  twenty  dollars,"  said  Joe,  appealing  most  piteously  to 
the  one  that  placed  his  hand  on  his  head.  The  Indian 
seemed  to  understand  him,  and  held  his  hand  out  for  the 
money,  while  a  demoniac  smile  played  on  his  dark  lips. 

"  Just  untie  my  h  nds,"  said  Joe,  endeavouring  to  look 
behind,  "and  I'll  go  right  straight  home  and  get  them." 

"You  rascal — you  want  to  run  away,"  replied  the  old 
Indian,  who  not  only  understood  Joe's  language,  but  could 
himself  speak  English  imperfectly. 

"  Upon  my  sacred  word  and  honour,  I  won't !"  replied 
Joe. 

"You  lie  !"  said  the  savage,  bestowing  a  severe  smack 
on  Joe's  face. 

"  Oh,  Lord  !     Come  now,  Mr.  Indian,  that  hurts  !" 

"No — don't  hurt — oaly  kill  musketer,"  replied  the  sa 
vage,  laughing  heartily,  and  striking  his  prisoner  on  the 
other  side  of  the  face. 

"  Oh !  hang  your  skin  !"  cried  Joe,  endeavouring  to  break 

away,  "if  ever  I  get  you  in  my  power,  I'll  smash " 

Here  his  sudden  courage  evaporated,  and  again  the  tears 
filled  his  eyes. 

"Poor  fellow!"  said  the  savage,  patting  his  victim  on 
the  head.  "  How  much  you  give  for  him  ?"  he  continued, 
poii  ting  to  Sneak. 

"  If  you'll  only  let  me  go,  I'll  give  you  every  thing  I've 
got  in  the  world.  He  don't  want  to  live  as  bad  as  I  do, 
and  IT;  give  you  as  much  for  me  alone  as  I  will  for  both." 

"  You're  a  purty  white  man,  now,  ain't  you  ?"  said  Sneak. 
''But  its  all  the  same.  My  chance  is  jest  as  good  as 
your'n  They're  only  fooling  you,  jest  to  laugh.  I've 
made  up  my  mind  to  die,  and  I  ain't  a  going  to  make 


196  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES. 

fun  for  'em.  And  you  might  as  well  say  your  prayers  fust 
as  last ;  they're  only  playing  with  you  now  like  a  cat  with 
a  mice." 

The  old  Indian  moved  towards  Sneak,  followed  by  the 
others. 

"  How  much  you  give  ?"  asked  the  savage. 

"Not  a  coon's  tail,"  replied  Sneak,  with  firmness. 

"  Now  how  much  ?"  continued  the  Indian,  slapping  tho 
thin  lank  cheek  of  his  prisoner. 

"  Not  a  dod-rotted  cent !  Now  jest  take  your  tomahawk 
and  split  my  skull  open  as  quick  as  you  kin  !"  said  Sneak ; 
and  he  bowed  down  his  head  to  receive  the  fatal  blow. 

"You  brave  rascal,"  said  the  Indian,  looking  his  cap 
tive  in  the  eye,  and  hesitating  whether  to  practice  his  petty 
annoyances  any  further.  At  length  they  turned  again  to 
Joe. 

"  That  wasn't  fair,  Sneak,"  cried  Joe,  when  the  savages 
abandoned  his  fellow-prisoner ;  "  you  ought  to  have  kept 
them  away  from  me  as  long  as  I  did  from  you." 

"I'm  gitting  sick  of  this  tanterlizing  business,"  said 
Sneak.  "  I  want  'em  to  git  through  the  job,  without  any 
more  fooling  about  it.  If  you  wasn't  sich  a  coward,  they'd 
let  you  alone,  and  kill  us  at  once." 

"  I  don't  want  them  to  kill  us — I'd  rather  they'd  do  any 
thing  in  the  world  than  to  kill  us,"  replied  Joe. 

"  Me  won't  hurt  you,"  said  the  old  savage,  again  plac 
ing  his  hand  on  Joe's  head ;  but  instead  of  gently  patting 
it,  he  wound  a  lock  of  hair  round  one  of  his  fingers,  and 
with  a  sudden  jerk  tore  it  out  by  the  roots. 

"  Oh,  iny  gracious  !  Oh,  St.  Peter  !  Oh,  Lord  !  Mr. 
Indian,  I  beg  and  pray  of  you  not  to  do  that  any  more. 
If  you'll  only  untie  me,  I'll  get  down  on  my  knees  to  you," 
exclaimed  poor  Joe. 

"  Poor  fellow,  me  won't  hurt  him  any  more — poor  head !" 
said  the  Indian,  tearing  off  another  lock. 

"  Oh  !  oh  !  goodness  gracious.  Dear  Mr.  Indian,  don't 
do  that!  You  can  have  no  idea  how  bad  it  hurts — I  can't 
stand  it.  I'll  faint  presently !"  said  Joe,  trembling  at  every 
joint. 

"  You're  a  fool,"  said  Sneak,  "  to  mind  'em  that  way, 
If  you  wasn't  to  notice  'em,  they  wouldn't  do  it.  See  how 
*hey're  laughing  at  you." 


A    NARRATIVE  197 

"  Oh,  Sneak,  I  can't  help  it,  to  save  uy  life,  indeed  ] 
can't.  Oh,  my  good  Lord,  what  would  I  give  to  he  away 
from  here !"  said  Joe,  his  eyes  fit  to  hurst  from  then 
sockets. 

"I've  killed  many  a  deer  in  a  minit — it  don't  hurt  a 
man  to  die  more  than  a  deer.  I  wish  the  snarvileroua 
copper-skinned  rascals  would  git  through  quick  !"  sail 
Sneak. 

"Me  try  you  agin,"  said  the  savage,  again  going  ID 
Sneak. 

"  Well,  now,  what're  you  a  going  to  do  ?  I'jn  not  afraid 
of  you !"  said  Sneak,  grinding  his  teeth. 

"Me  rub  your  head,"  said  the  savage,  seizing  a  tuft  of 
hair  and  tearing  it  out. 

"Take  some  more,"  said  Sneak,  bowing  down  his 
head. 

"  A  little  more,"  iterated  the  savage,  grasping  a  hand 
ful,  which,  with  much  exertion,  he  severed  from  the  head, 
and  left  the  white  skin  exposed  to  view. 

"Won't  you  have  some  more?"  continued  Sneak,  with 
out  evincing  the  least  pain.  "Jest  take  as  much  as  you 
please ;  if  you  tear  it  off  till  my  head's  as  bald  as  an  egg, 
I  won't  beg  you  to  let  me  alone." 

"  You  brave  fellow — won't  pull  your  hair  any  more," 
said  the  chief. 

"  You  be  dod  rot !"  said  Sneak,  contemptuously. 

"You  mighty  brave,  shake  hands !"  continued  the 
laughing  savage,  holding  his  hand  out  in  mockery. 

"  If  you'll  untie  my  foot  a  minit,  I'll  bet  I  kick  some 
of  the  ribs  out  of  your  body.  Why  don't  you  knock  our 
brains  out,  and  be  done  at  once,  you  black  wolves  you  !" 
said  Sneak. 

"  Oh,  Sneak !  for  my  sake — your  poor  friend's  sake, 
don't  put  such  an  idea  as  that  into  their  heads  !"  said  Joe, 
imploringly. 

"  You're  a  purty  friend,  ain't  you?  You'd  give  so  much 
to  ransom  me  !  They  aint  a  going  to  quit  us  without 
killin'  us,  and  I  want  it  all  over  jest  as  soon  as  it  kin  be 
done." 

"  Oh,  no,  Sneak  !  Maybe  they'll  take  pity  on  us  and 
spare  our  lives,"  said  Joe,  assuming  a  most  entreating 
look  as  the  savage  once  more  approached  him. 

IT* 


198  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

""You  make  good  big  Osage ;  you  come  with  us,  if  we 
let  you  live  ?"  demanded  the  old  Indian. 

"I  pledge  you  my  most  sacred  word  and  honour  I 
will !" 

"You  run  away,  you  rascal,"  said  the  savage,  plucking 
another  tuft  of  hair  from  Joe's  head. 

"  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  stand  this  any  longer  !"  said  Joe, 
striving  to  break  the  cord  that  confined  him. 

"  Don't  notice  the  black  cowards,"  said  Sneak. 

"  How  can  I  help  noticing  them,  when  they're  pulling 
out  my  hair  by  the  roots  !"  said  Joe. 

"  Look  where  they  pulled  mine  out,"  said  Sneak,  turn 
ing  that  part  of  his  head  in  view  which  had  been  made 
literally  bald. 

"Didn't  it  hurt  you?"  asked  Joe. 

"  Sartinly  it  did,"  said  Sneak,  "but  I  grinned  and  bore 
it.  And  now  I  wish  they'd  pull  it  all  off,  and  then  my 
sculp  wouldn't  do  'e"m  any  good." 

"  That's  a  fact,"  said  Joe.  "  Here,  Mr.  Osage,"  he 
continued,  "  pull  as  much  hair  off  the  top  of  my  head  as 
you  want."  The  savages,  instead  of  paying  any  attention 
to  him,  seemed  to  be  attracted  by  some  distant  sound. 
They  stooped  down  and  placed  their  ears  near  the  earth, 
and  listened  intently  for  some  time.  At  length  they  sprang 
up,  and  then  ensued  another  dispute  among  them  about 
the  manner  in  which  the  prisoners  should  be  disposed  of. 
The  old  savage  was  yet  in  favour  of  tomahawking  the 
captives  and  retreating  without  delay.  But  the  others 
would  not  consent  to  it.  They  were  not  satisfied  with  the 
small  amount  of  suffering  yet  endured  by  the  prisoners. 
They  were  resolved  to  glut  their  savage  vengeance.  And 
the  prisoners  now  observed  that  all  traces  of  mirth  had 
vanished  from  their  faces.  Their  eyes  gleamed  with  fiend 
ish  fury,  and  drawing  forth  their  glittering  tomahawks, 
they  vanished  in  the  thicket,  and  were  soon  heard  chopping 
off  the  small  boughs  of  the  trees. 

"  What  are  they  doing  Sneak  ?"  asked  Joe. 

"  Don't  you  know  what  they're  doing  ?  ain't  they  cut 
ting  wood  as  fast  as  they  kin  ?"  replied  Sneak. 

"  Well,  I'm  not  sorry  for  that,"  said  Joe,  "because  its 
almost  dark,  and  I'm  getting  chilly.  If  they'd  only  give 
me  something  to  eat,  I'd  feel  »  heap  more  comfortable." 


A  NAKRATTVE.  19M 

"  Yen  varasherous  fool  you,  they're  cutting  wood  to  burn 
as  up  with.  Oh,  I  wish  I  was  loose  !" 

"  Oh,  goodness  gracious!"  cried  Joe,  "  I  never  thought 
of  that '  Oh,  I'm  gone  !" 

"  Are  you  ?"  cried  Sneak,  eagerly ;  "  I'd  like  to  be  off 
too,  and  we'd  give  them  a  race  for  it  yit." 

"  Oh  !  Sneak,  I  mean  I'm  ruined,  lost  for  ever  !  Oh  ! 
St.  Peter,  pity  my  helpless  condition  !" 

"  Don't  think  about  pity  now,"  said  Sneak ;  "  nothing 
of  that  sort  is  going  to  do  us  any  good.  We  must  git 
loose  from  these  trees  and  run  for  it,  or  we'll  be  roasted 
like  wild  turkeys  in  less  than  an  hour.  I've  got  one  hand 
"loose  !" 

"  So  have  I  almost !"  cried  Joe,  struggling  violently. 

"  One  of  "em's  coming ! — shove  your  hand  back,  and 
pertend  like  you're  fast,  till  he  goes  away  agin!"  said 
Sneak,  m  a  hurried  undertone. 

The  savage  emerged  from  the  bushes  the  next  moment, 
and  after  depositing  an  armful  of  billets  of  wood  at  the 
feet  of  Joe,  and  walking  round  behind  the  prisoners  to  see 
if  they  were  still  secure,  returned  for  more  fuel. 

"Now  work  for  your  life!"  said  Sneak,  extricating  his 
wrist  from  the  cord,  and  striving  to  get  his  feet  loose. 

"  Hang  it,  Sneak,  I  can't  get  my  hand  out,  though  the 
string's  quite  loose !  Make  haste,  Sneak,  and  come  and 
help  me,"  said  Joe,  in  a  tone  that  indicated  his  earnestness. 

"  Let  every  man  look  out  far  himself,"  replied  Sneak, 
tugging  away  at  the  cord  that  bound  his  feet  to  the  tree. 

"  Oh,  Sneak,  don't  leave  me  here,  to  be  burnt  by  my 
self!"  said  Joe. 

"  You  wouldn't  promise  to  give  any  thing  to  ransom  me, 
a  while  ago — I'll  cut  stick  as  quick  as  I  kin." 

"  Oh,  Sneak,  I  can't  untie  my  hands !  If  you  wont 
help  me,  I'll  call  the  Indians."  But  Joe  was  saved  the 
trouble.  He  had  scarce  uttered  the  word  when  all  four 
of  the  Indians  suddenly  appeared,  and  throwing  down  their 
wood,  proceeded  with  much  haste  to  put  their  horrid  pur 
pose  in  execution.  They  heaped  up  the  fagots  around 
their  victims,  until  they  reached  half  way  to  their  chins, 
and  when  all  was  ready,  they  paused,  before  applying  the 
fire,  to  enjoy  the  terrors  of  their  captives. 

"You  cold — me  make  some  fire  to  warm- -huh  ."  said 


200  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

tne  old  Indian,  addressing  Joe,  while  the  others  looked  on 
with  unmixed  satisfaction. 

"  Oh  !  rny  dear  Mr.  Osage,  if  you  only  knew  how  muci 
money  you'd  lose  by  killing  me,  I  know  you'd  let  me  go !' 
said  Joe,  in  tremulous  but  supplicating  tones. 

"  You  lie — you  got  no  money,"  replied  the  savage  ;  and, 
stooping  down,  he  began  to  split  some  dry  wood  into  very 
Bmall  pieces  to  kindle  with.  Joe  looked  on  in  despair,  and 
seemed  to  anticipate  a  blister  from  every  splinter  he  saw. 
It  was  different  with  Sneak.  Almost  hid  by  the  wood 
heaped  around  him,  he  embraced  every  opportunity,  when 
the  eyes  of  the  savages  were  turned  away,  to  endeavour 
to  extricate  himself  from  the  cords  that  bound  him  to  the 
tree.  Hope  had  not  yet  forsaken  him,  and  he  resolved  to 
struggle  to  the  last.  When  the  old  savage  had  split  off  a 
large  quantity  of  splinters  and  chips,  he  gathered  them 
up  and  began  to  arrange  them  in  various  parts  of  the  pile 
of  green  timber  preparatory  for  a  simultaneous  ignition. 
While  he  was  thus  engaged,  Sneak  remained  motionless, 
and  assumed  a  stoical  expression  of  features.  But  when 
he  turned  to  Joe,  Sneak  again  began  to  tug  at  the  cord. 

"  Oh  pray,  Mr.  Indian  !"  exclaimed  Joe,  when  he  saw  the 
Bavage  carefully  placing  the  combustible  matter  in  all  the 
crevices  of  the  pile  around  him — "just  only  let  me  off  this 
time,  and  I'll  be  your  best  friend  all  the  rest  of  your  life." 

"  Me  warm  you  little — don't  cry — poor  fellow  !"  replied 
the  Indian,  striking  a  light  with  flint  and  steel. 

"  Oh,  Sneak,  if  you've  got  a  knife,  run  here  and  cut  me 
loose,  before  I'm  burnt  to  death !"  said  Joe,  in  the  most 
heart-moving  manner. 

"Keep  your  mouth  shet !"  said  Sneak  ;  "jest  wait  till 
they  go  to  put  some  fire  here,  and  I'll  show  you  a  thing  or 
two,"  he  continued,  pouring  a  handful  of  powder  among 
the  dry  splinters.  The  effect  of  the  explosion  when  the 
Indians  attempted  to  surprise  Glenn's  premises  occurring 
to  Sneak,  and  recollecting  that  he  had  a  quantity  of  pow 
der  in  his  pockets,  he  resolved  in  his  extremity  to  try  its 
virtue  on  this  occasion. 

"But  they're  going  to  burn  me  first!  Oh,  Lord  !"  ex.- 
claimed  Joe,  as  he  beheld  the  savage  applying  the  fire  to 
the  splinters  near  his  feet. 

"  Don't  say  nor  do  nothing — jest  wait  till  they  coire  tc 


A   NARRATIVE.  201 

me,"  said  Sneak,  with  great  composure.  "Do  you  jes* 
keep  your  mouth  shet — it'll  be  a  long  while  a  kindling — it 
won't  begin  to  burn  your  legs  for  an  hour." 

"  Oh,  goodness  gracious  !  My  knees  begin  to  feel  warm 
now.  Oh,  pray  have  mercy  on  me,  good  Mr.  Osage !" 
cried  Joe,  before  the  flame  was  as  large  as  his  hand,  and 
yet  full  three  feet  distant  from  him.  The  greater  portion  of 
the  fagots  being  green,  the  fire  made  very  slow  progress, 
and  it  was  necessary  for  the  savages  to  procure  a  constant 
supply  of  dry  splinters  to  prevent  it  from  going  out. 

At  length,  after  the  combustible  material  had  burned' 
out,  and  been  replenished  several  times,  the  more  substan 
tial  billets  of  Joe's  pile  began  to  ignite  slowly,  and  the  old 
Indian  then  took  up  a  flaming  brand  and  moved  towards 
Sneak. 

"  Come  on  !  you  snarvilerous  rattlesnake  you,  I'll  show 
you  sights  presently !"  said  Sneak. 

"You  brave  fellow — me  burn  you  quick,"  said  the  sa 
vage,  applying  the  torch,  and,  stooping  down,  placed  his 
face  within  a  few  inches  of  the  crackling  blaze,  and  began 
to  blow  it  gently.  Sneak  twisted  his  head  round  the  tree 
as  far  as  possible,  and  the  next  moment  the  powder  ex 
ploded,  throwing  down  the  pile  of  wood,  and  dashing  the 
savage  several  paces  distant  violently  on  the  ground,  and 
blackening  and  scorching  his  face  and  hair  in  a  terrible 
manner.  The  other  Indians  instantly  prostrated  themselves 
on  their  faces,  and  uttered  the  most  doleful  lamentations. 
Thus  they  remained  a  few  minutes,  evidently  impressed 
.  with  the  belief  that  the  Great  Spirit  had  interfered  to  pre 
vent  the  destruction  of  the  prisoners.  Hastily  gathering 
up  their  arms,  they  fled  precipitately  in  the  direction  of 
their  distant  home,  and  their  yells  of  disappointment  and 
defeat  rang  in  the  ears  of  their  captives  until  they  died 
away  in  the  distance. 

"  Sneak !  make  haste !  they  may  come  back  again !" 
said  Joe. 

"  They've  tied  my  feet  so  tight  I'm  afraid  I  can't  undo 
it  in  a  hurry,"  replied  Sneak,  endeavouring  to  break  the  cord 
hy  thrusting  a  stick  (that  he  had  slipped  from  the  pile  to 
knock  out  the  brains  of  one  of  the  Indians  should  his  gun 
powder  plot  not  succeed,)  between  it  and  the  tree,  and 
forcing  it  out  until  the  pain  produced  became  insuffer 


202  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES' 

able.  By  this  means  the  cord  was  loosened  gradually,  and 
moving  it  a  little  higher  up  where  the  muscles  had  not  yet 
been  bruised,  he  repeated  the  process.  In  this  manner  he 
laboured  with  certain  but  tardy  success.  But  while  he  was 
thus  engaged,  Joe's  predicament  became  each  moment 
more  critical.  The  wood  being  by  this  time  pretty  well 
seasoned,  began  to  burn  more  freely.  The  blaze  waa 
making  formidable  advances,  and  the  heat  was  becoming 
intolerable. 

"For  heaven's  sake,  Sneak!"  cried  Joe,  "make  haste 
and  come  here,  or  I'll  be  roasted  alive !" 

"  Wait  till  I  get  away  from  my  own  tree,"  replied 
Sneak. 

"  Oh  Lord !  I  can't  wait  a  minute  more  !  My  shins  are 
getting  blistered !"  cried  Joe,  writhing  under  the  heat  of 
the  blaze,  which  now  reached  within  a  few  inches  of  him, 
and  increased  in  magnitude  with  awful  rapidity. 

"  Well,  if  you  won't  wait  till  I  git  there,  just  go  ahead 
yourself,"  said  Sneak,  at  last  extricating  his  feet  by  a  vio 
lent  effort,  and  hopping  to  Joe's  assistance,  with  some  dif- 
culty,      for     his      nether      limbs      were     considerably 
bruised. 

"  Hang  it,  Sneak,  pull  these  burning  sticks  away  from 
my  knees !"  said  Joe,  his  face  flushed  with  pain. 

"  I'll  be  bursted  with  powder,  if  you  didn't  like  to  git 
into  a  purty  tight  fix,"  said  Sneak,  dashing  down  the  con- 
buming  billets  of  wood. 

"  Now,  Sneak,  cut  me  loose,  and  then  let's  run  home  as 
soon  as  possible." 

"  I  hain't  got  my  knife  with  me,  or  I  wouldn't  'ave  been 
BO  long  gitting  loose  myself,"  said  Sneak,  slowly  untying 
Joe's  hands. 

*'My  goodness,  how  my  arms  ache!"  said  Joe,  when 
his  hands  were  released.  "Now,  Sneak,  undo  my  feet, 
and  then  we'll  be  off  in  a  hurry." 

"I'll  be  silt  if  your  feet  ain't  tied  like  mine  was,  in 
gich  a  hard  knot  that  no  mortal  being  can  git  it  undone. 
I'll  take  a  chunk,  and  burn  the  tarnation  string  in  two," 
said  Sneak,  applying  the  fire. 

"  Take  care  you  don't  burn  me,"  said  Joe,  looking  at 
the  operation  with  much  concern. 

Sneak's  plan  of  severing  his  companion's  boniJU  was 


A    NARRATIVE.  203 

successful.  Joe  sprang  in  delight  from  his  place  of  con 
finement,  and,  without  uttering  another  word,  or  pausing  a 
single  moment,  the  liberated  companions  retreated  from  tta 
grove  with  all  possible  expedition. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Glenn's  History. 

THE  young  chief,  or  rather  the  restored  youth,  awoke  in 
a  few  days  from  the  delirium  into  which  the  fever  had 
plunged  him,  to  a  state  of  convalescence  and  a  conscious 
ness  of  his  altered  condition.  He  now  uttered  with  earnest 
tenderness  the  endearing  terms  of  "sister"  and  "father," 
when  he  addressed  Mary  and  Roughgrove.  He  spoke 
freely  of  the  many  things  he  had  witnessed  while  living 
with  the  Indians,  expressing  his  abhorrence  of  their  habits 
and  nature,  and  declared  it  was  his  intention  never  to  have 
any  further  intercourse  with  them.  He  promised,  when  he 
should  be  able  to  leave  his  bed,  to  read  and  study  with 
Mary  and  Glenn,  until  he  had  made  amends  for  the  ne 
glect  of  his  education.  These  symptoms,  and  the  tractable 
disposition  accompanying  them,  caused  Mary  and  Rough- 
grove  to  rejoice  over  the  return  of  the  long-lost  youth,  and 
to  bow  in  humble  thankfulness  to  the  Disposer  of  events 
for  the  singular  and  providential  circumstances  attending 
his  restoration. 

Joe  had  arrived  in  due  course  of  time,  (which  was  brief,) 
after  his  almost  miraculous  escape  from  the  savages  and 
the  flames,  and  told  his  story  with  various  embellishments. 
The  Indians  were  hunted  the  next  day  by  Sneak  and  a 
few  of  the  neighbours,  but  they  had  doubtless  abandoned 
the  settlement,  for  no  traces  of  them  remained  after  their 
mysterious  flight  from  the  grove. 

A  few  mild  days,  during  which  frequent  showers  had 
fallen,  had  in  a  great  measure  removed  the  snow  from  the 
earth.  And  Joe  having  soon  forgotten  his  late  perilous  ad 
venture,  amused  himself  with  the  horses.  He  resolved  to 


-04  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES; 

make  some  amends  for  their  long  confinement  in  the  stable, 
and  to  effect  it  he  galloped  them  several  hours  each  day 
over  the  grounds  in  the  vicinity.  The  hounds,  too,  seemed 
delighted  to  place  their  feet  once  more  on  the  bare  earth, 
and  they  were  permitted  to  accompany  the  horses  in  all 
their  excursions. 

One  night,  when  William,  Mary,  and  Joe  were  all 
quietly  sleeping,  Roughgrove  took  occasion  to  express  his 
gratitude  to  Glenn  for  the  many  and  important  services 
rendered  his  family. 

"Whatever  good  may  have  attended  my  efforts,"  said 
Glenn,  "you  may  rest  assured  that  I  have  been  amply  re 
paid  in  the  satisfaction  enjoyed  myself." 

"I  am  sure  of  it!"  exclaimed  Roughgrove;  "and  it  was 
a  conviction  that  you  harboured  such  sentiments  that  in 
duced  me  to  confide  in  you,  and  to  disclose  things  which  I 
intended  should  remain  for  ever  locked  within  my  own 
breast." 

"Your,  confidence  shall  not  be  abused,"  said  Glenn; 
•  and  to  prove  that  I  am  not  averse  to  an  exchange  of 
secrets,  if  you  will  listen  to  my  recital,  I  will  endeavour 
briefly  to  give  you  a  sketch  of  my  history." 

"1  will  listen  attentively,  my  young  friend,  even  were  it 
as  sad  a  tale  as  mine,  which  can  hardly  be  the  case,"  said 
Roughgrove,  drawing  his  chair  clc.se  to  Glenn's  side,  and 
placing  more  fuel  on  the  fire. 

"  Would  to  Heaven  it  had  not  been  !"  said  Glenn,  after 
reclinir.g  bis  head  on  his  hands  a  few  minutes,  and  recall 
ing  transactions  which  he  could  have  wished  to  be  blotted 
from  his  memory  for  ever.  "I  am  a  native  of  New  York," 
he  continued,  heaving  a  sigh  and  folding  his  arms,  "  and 
was  left  an  orphan  at  a  very  early  age.  My  father  was 
once  reputed  one  of  the  wealthiest  merchants  in  Broadway  ; 
but  repeated  and  enormous  losses,  necessarily  inexplicable 
to  one  of  my  age,  suddenly  reduced  him  to  comparative 
poverty.  Neither  he  nor  my  mother  survived  the  blow 
many  months,  and  before  I  was  ten  years  old,  I  was  left 
(with  the  exception  of  an  uncle  in-  Philadelphia)  alone  in  the 
world,  possessed  of  only  a  few  hundred  dollars.  My  uncle 
placed  me  with  an  eminent  physician,  who  had  been  my 
father's  friend,  after  my  education  was  completed.  He 
told  me  that  he  was  rich,  and  would  see  that  I  should  not 


A    NARRATIVE. 

Buffer  for  means  until  I  had  acquired  a  profession,  which, 
with  energy  and  diligence,  would  enable  me  to  procure  an 
honourable  support.  But  he  informed  me  that  he  had  a 
family  of  his  own,  and  that  I  must  not  depend  upon  hia 
assistance  further  than  to  accomplish  a  profession. 

"  It  was  during  my  studies,  and  when  about  seventeen 
years  old,  that  my  misfortunes  began.  My  preceptor  had 
another  student,  named  Henry  Wold,  several  years  my  senior, 
whose  parents  were  wealthy.  Wold  and  I  entertained  the 
highest  esteem  for  each  other.  But  our  circumstances 
being  different,  I  could  not  indulge  in  all  the  excesses  of 
extravagance  that  he  did,  but  made  better  progress  in  my 
studies.  He  attended  all  the  gay  parties  and  fashionable 
places  of  amusement,  while  I  seldom  spent  an  evening  from 
home.  He  was  tall,  manly,  and  possessed  of  regular  and 
beautiful 'features — these,  with  his  unlimited  wealth,  made 
him  a  welcome  guest  in  every  circle,  and  extremely  popular 
with  the  ladies. 

"  One  Sabbath  morning,  while  sitting  in  church,  (which 
I  attended  regularly,)  I  was  struck  with  the  appearance  of 
a  stranger  in  an  opposite  pew  across  the  aisle  that  belonged 
to  a  family  with  whom  I  was  on  the  most  intimate  terms. 
The  stranger  was  the  most  beautiful  young  lady  I  ever  be 
held.  Dark,  languishing  eyes,  glossy  ringlets,  pale,  smooth 
forehead — oh!  I  will,  not  describe  her — let  it  suffice  that 
she  was  an  angel  in  my  eyes !  It  was  impossible  to  remove 
my  gaze  from  her,  and  I  fancied  that  she  sometimes  re 
turned  an  approving  glance.  Before  the  service  was  over, 
I  was  delighted  to  observe  that  she  whispered  something  to 
Mrs.  Arras,  (the  name  of  the  lady  whose  pew  she  was  in,) 
for  this  assured  me  that  they  were  acquainted,  and  that  I 
might  obtain  some  information  about  the  fair  being  who  had 
made  such  a  sudden  and  deep  impression  on  my  heart,  and 
perhaps  procure  an  introduction  to  her.  When  I  retired  to 
my  couch  that  night,  it  was  not  to  sleep.  The  image  of  the 
fair  stranger  haunted  my  restless  and  imperfect  slumbers. 
Nor  could  I  study  by  day,  for  my  thoughts  wandered  con 
tinually  from  the  page  to  the  same  bright  vision.  Such  was 
my  condition  throughout  the  week.  The  next  Sunday  I 
found  her  seated  in  the  same  pew.  Our  eyes  met,  and  a 
slight  blush  that  mantled  her  fair  face  encouraged  me  to 
V.,pe  that  she  might  likewise  have  bestowed  some  thoughti 

18 


206  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

on  me  during  the  preceding  week.  It  was  in  vain  that  I 
uttered  the  responses  during  the  service,  or  knelt  down 
when  the  clergyman  offered  up  his  prayers.  I  could  think 
of  nothing  but  the  angelic  stranger.  I  resolved  that  another 
week  should  not -pass  without  my  calling  at  Mrs.  Arras's. 
But  my  object  was  obtained  sooner  than  I  expected.  When 
the  congregation  was  dismissed,  Mrs.  Arras  beckoned  me 
<tcross  the  aisle  to  her. 

"'Charles,'  whispered  she,  'don't  you  want  an  intro 
duction  to  my  niece?  I  saw  your  eyes  riveted  on  her 
several  times.' 

"'I — if  you  please,'  I  replied,  with  feelings  of  mingled 
delight  and  embarrassment. 

"'Laura,'  she  continued,  turning  to  the  young  lady  who 
lingered  behind,  but  seemed  to  be  conscious  of  what  waa 
passing,  'let  me  introduce  you  to  my  young  friend,  Charles 
Glenn.'  The  bland  and  accomplished  Mrs.  Arras  then 
moved  onward,  while  I  attended  at  the  side  of  Laura,  and 
continued  with  her  until  I  assisted  her  up  the  marble  steps 
of  her  aunt's  stately  mansion. 

"I  then  bowed,  and  strode  rapidly  onward,  I  knew  not 
whither,  (completely  bewildered  with  the  enchanting  spell 
that  the  fair  Laura  had  thrown  over  me,)  until  I  reached  the 
extremity  of  Broadway,  and  found  myself  in  Castle  Garden, 
gazing  like  a  very  maniac  at  the  bright  water  below  me. 
I  wandered  about  alone,  enjoying  the  exhilarating  fancies 
of  my  teeming  brain,  until  the  sun  sunk  beneath  the  horizon, 
and  the  bright  stars  twinkled  in  the  blue  vault  above.  Oh ! 
the  thoughts,  the  hopes,  the  bliss 'of  that  hour!  The  dark 
curtain  that  veils  the  rankling  corruptions  of  mortality  had 
not  yet  boon  lifted  before  my  staring  eyes,  and  I  felt  as  one 
gazing  at  a  beautiful  world,  and  regarded  the  fair  maid  as 
the  angel  destined  to  unfold  all  its  brilliance  to  my  vision, 
and  to  hold  the  chalice  to  my  lips  while  I  sipped  the  nectar 
of  perennial  felicity.  Alas,  that  such  moments  are  brief ! 
They  fly  like  the  dreams  of  a  startled  slumberer,  and  when 
they  vanish  once,  they  are  gone  forever ! 

"Without  calling  at  my  lodgings  for  the  usual  refresh 
ments,  I  hovered  about  the  mansion  of  Mrs.  Arras  till  lighta 
were  gleaming  in  the  parlour,  and  then  entered.  Laura  re 
ceived  me  with  a  smile,  and  the  complaisant  matrw  gave 
me  an  encouraging  welcome. 


A   NARRATIVE.  207 

"'You  are  pale  this  evening,  Mr.  Glenn,'  said  Mrs.  Af 
ras,  in  a  good-humoured,  though  bantering  manner.  'Are 
you  subject  to  sudden  attacks  of  illness?' 

" '  I  assure  you  I  never  enjoyed  better  health  in  my  life, 
and  feel  no  symptoms  of  indisposition  whatever,'  I  replied, 
but  at  that  moment  I  chanced  to  gaze  at  a  mirror,  and 
was  startled  at  my  haggard  appearance.  But  when  Mrs 
Arras  withdrew,  (which  she  did  soon  after  my  arrival,)  the 
affable  and  lovely  Laura  banished  every  thought  of  my 
condition.  My  wan  cheek  was  soon  animated  with  the 
flush  of  unbounded  admiration,  and  my  sunken  eye  sparkled 
with  the  effervescence  of  enraptured  delight.  Deep  and 
ineradicable  passion  was  engendering  in  my  bosom.  And 
from  the  pleasure  indicated  in  the  glitter  of  Laura's  lus 
trous  eyes,  the  exquisite  smile  that  dwelt  upon  her  coral 
lips,  and  the  gentle  though  unconscious  swellings  of  her 
breast,  a  conviction  thrilled  through  my  soul  that  my  sud 
den  affection  was  reciprocated.  Hours  flew  like  minutes, 
and  I  was  surprised  by  the  clock  striking  ONE  before  it 
occurred  to  me  that  it  was  time  to  depart.  Again  I  tra 
versed  the  streets  at  that  solemn  hour,  insensible  to  every 
feeling,  and  regardless  of  every  object  but  the  flaming  torch 
lit  up  in  my  heart  and  the  seraphic  image  of  Laura.  At 
length  I  was  warned  by  the  scrutinizing  gaze  of  a  watch 
man  to  repair  to  my  lodgings.  But  my  pillow  afforded  no 
rest.  All  night  long  I  pondered  on  the  exhilarating  events 
of  the  day.  Many  were  the  endearing  accents  that  escaped 
my  lips  as  I  addressed  in  fancy  my  beloved  Laura.  I  re 
solved  to  declare  my  passion  ere  many  weeks  should  pass. 
I  began  to  settle  in  my  mind  the  plans  of  life,  and  then, 
for  the  first  time,  the  future  presented  a  dark  spot  to  my 
view.  I  was  poor !  Laura  was  rich  and  her  family  proud 
and  aristocratic.  Her  father  was  a  distinguished  judge. 
And  the  most  high-born  and  haughty  of  the  land  would 
doubtless  (if  they  had  not  already)  sigh  at  her  feet!  I 
sprang  upright  on  my  couch  when  this  discordant  thought 
passed  across  my  mind.  But  the  next  moment  I  was  con- 
Boled  with  the  belief  that  I  already  possessed  her  heart. 
And  with  a  determination  to  have  her,  in  spite  of  every 
jbstacle,  should  this  be  the  case,  I  sank  back  through 
weariness,  and  was  soon  steeped  in  deep,  though  unquiet 
slumber. 


208  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"The  two  next  succeeding  Sundays  I  attended  Laura 
to  church.  The  evenings  of  both  days,  and  nearly  all  the 
intervening  ones,  I  was  with  her  at  the  mansion  of  Mrs. 
Arras.  But  the  evening  of  the  last  Sunday  was  to  me  a 
memorable  one.  That  evening  I  opened  all  my  heart  to 
Laura,  and  found  that  every  pulsation  met  a  responding 
throb  in  hers — such,  at  least,  I  believed  to  be  the  case — 
and  so  she  asserted.  During  the  short  time  she  remained 
in  New  York,  I  was  her  accredited  lover,  and  ever,  when 
together,  the  attachment  she  manifested  was  as  ardent  as 
mine.  Indeed,  at  times,  her  passion  seemed  unbounded, 
and  I  was  more  than  once  tempted  to  propose  a  clandestine 
and  immediate  union.  I  was  the  more  inclined  to  this, 
inasmuch  as  her  father  (who  had  now  returned  from  a  trip 
to  Washington)  began  to  regard  my  visits  with  displeasure. 
But  he  soon  passed  on  to  Boston  to  attend  to  the  duties  of 
his  office,  and  again  I  had  unrestrained  access  to  Laura. 
But  I  am  dwelling  too  long  on  this  part  of  my  story. 

"  One  day  Henry  Wold,  my  fellow-student,  inquired  the 
cause  of  the  palpable  change  in  my  bearing  and  disposition. 
Would  that  my  lips  had  been  sealed  to  him  forever !  I 
knew  that  he  was  honest  and  generous  by  nature,  but  I 
knew  not  to  what  extent  his  dissolute  habits  (gradually 
acquired  by  having  ample  means,  and  yielding  by  degrees 
to  the  temptations  of  vice)  had  perverted  his  good  qualities. 
I  told  him  of  my  love,  and  while  describing  the  charms  of 
Laura,  I  was  pleased  to  attribute  the  interest  he  evinced 
at  the  recital  to  his  disinterested  friendship  for  me,  without 
the  thought  that  he  could  be  captivated  himself  with  the 
bare  description.  He  begged  me  to  introduce  him.  This, 
too,  gratified  my  pride,  for  I  knew  he  would  admire  her. 
The  perfect  form,  rare  beauty,  intelligence,  and  wealth  of 
Wold  did  not  startle  an  apprehension  in  my  breast.  But  I 
knew  not — alas !  who  can  know  ? — the  impulses  that  govern 
woman.  Wold  accompanied  me  that  night  to  Mrs.  Arras's, 
He  seated  himself  at  Laura's  side,  and  poured  forth  a  flood 
of  flattery.  They  smiled  in  unison  and  returned  glance 
for  glance.  Wold  exhibited  his  fine  person  and  exerted  al] 
his  captivating  powers  of  intellect.  Laura  scanned  the 
one  and  listened  attentively  to  the  other.  Still  I  sat  by  hi 
satisfaction,  and  strove  to  repress  every  rising  fear  that  my 
supremacy  in  Laura's  heart  might  be  endangered-  That 


A   NARRATIVE.        -  209 

evening,  as  wo  returned  homeward,  in  answer  tc  my  ques 
tions,  Wold  stated  that  my  '  intended'  was  pretty  enough 
for  any  young~  man,  and  would,  without  doubt,  make  a  very 
good  wife.  So  far  from  exhibiting  the  extravagant  admi 
ration  I  expected,  he  seemed  to  speak  of  the  object  of  my 
adoration  with  comparative  indifference.  But  a  few  even 
ings  afterwards,  I  found  him  with  Laura  when  I  arrived ! 
I  started  back  on  beholding  them  seated  on  the  same  sofa 
as  I  entered  the  parlour.  Mrs.  Arras  was  present,  and  wore 
a  thoughtful  expression  of  features.  Laura  smiled  on  me, 
but  I  thought  it  was  not  a  happy  smile.  It  did  not  render 
me  happy.  Wold  bowed  familiarly,  and  made  some  witty 
remark  about  taking  time  by  the  forelock.  I  sat  down  in 
silence,  with  a  compressed  lip,  and  an  icy  dullness  in  my 
breast.  An  embarrassing  pause  ensued.  At  length  Mrs. 
Arras  rose,  and  opening  a  folding-door,  beckoned  me  into 
the  adjoining  room.  After  we  had  been  seated  a  few  mo 
ments,  during  which  her  brow  assumed  a  more  grave  and 
thoughtful  cast,  she  observed — 

'"You  seem  to  be  excited  to-night,  Charles.' 

"'I  have  cause  to  be  so,'  I  replied. 

'"I  cannot  deny  it,'  said  she,  'when  I  consider  every 
thing  that  has  transpired.  You  doubtless  have  an  attach 
ment  for  Laura— I  have  seen  it — and  I  confess  it  was  and 
would  be  with  my  goodwill  had  I  control  of  the  matter. 
I  was  acquainted  with  your  family,  and  acted  with  the  best 
of  motives  when  I  permitted,  perhaps  encouraged,  the  in 
timacy.  But  I  thought  not  of  the  austere  and  passionate 
nature  of-  my  brother-in-law.  Neither  did  I  think  that  any 
man  could  object  to  your  addresses  to  his  daughter.  But 
I  was  mistaken.  Judge has  written  that  your  inter 
views  with  Laura  must  terminate.' 

'"Has  he  given  any  reason  why?'  I  asked,  in  tremulous 
tones. 

"'Yes,'  she  replied,  'but  such  as  mortify  me  as  much 
as  they  must  pain  you.  He  says  that  your  fortune  and 
family  connections  are  not  sufficient  to  permit  the  alliance. 
Oh,  I  implore  you  not  to  suppose  these  to  be  my  senti 
ments.  I  know  your  family  is  devoid  of  ignoble  stain,  and 
that  your  fortune  was  once  second  to  none.  Had  I  the 
disposal  of  Laura's  hand  it  should  be  yours!' 

is* 


21C  WILD   WESTEEN   SCENES: 

"M  believe  it,  Mrs.  Arras!'  said  I.  'But  do  you  not 
think  these  objections  of  Judge may  be  overcome  ?' 

"'  Alas,  never !'  she  replied;  'he  is  immovable  when 
any  thing  of  moment  is  decided  in  his  mind.' 

"'But,'  I  continued,  while  the  pulsations  of  my  heart 
were  distinctly  audible,  '  what  says  Laura  ?' 

"  '  Would  I  had  been  spared  this  question  !  You  saw 
hsr  a  few  minutes  since.  HE  who  sees  all  things  knows 
how  my  heart  ached  while  I  sat  by.  I  can  only  tell  you 
she  had  just  finished  reading  her  father's  letter  when  Mr. 
Wold  was  announced.  Spare  me,  now,  I  beseech  you  !' 
I  folded  my  arms  and  gazed,  I  know  not  how  long,  at  the 
flame  ascending  from  the  hearth.  Oh !  the  agony  de 
scribed  of  the  dying  were  bliss  to  that  moment.  What 
could  I  think  or  do  ?  I  sat  like  one  whose  heart  has  been 
rudely  torn  from  his  breast,  and  who  was  yet  debarred  the 
relief  of  death.  Existence  to  me  at  that  moment  was  a 
hell,  and  my  sufferings  were  those  of  the  damned !  I 
thank  God  I  have  survived  them. 

"  I  was  aroused  from  my  lethargy  by  hearing  the  street 
door  close  after  Wold,  and  I  desired  Mrs.  Arras  to  permit 
me  to  have  an  interview  with  Laura  alone.  It  was  grant 
ed,  and  I  was  soon  in  the  presence  of  the  lovely  maid. 
She  was  aware  of  my  perturbation  and  its  cause.  She  sat 
with  her  eyes  cast  down  in  silence.  I  look-jd  upon  her 
form  and  her  features  of  perfect  beauty,  and  oh !  what 
tongue  can  describe  the  mingled  and  contending  emotions 
that  convulsed  my  breast !  I  repressed  every  violent  or 
boisterous  inclination  of  my  spirits,  however,  and  taking 
her  unresisting  hand,  sat  down  in  sorrow  at  her  side. 

"  'Laura,'  said  I,  with  difficulty  finding  utterance,  '  do 
we  thus  part,  and  for  ever  ?'  She  made  no  answer,  but 
gazed  steadfastly  at  the  rich  carpet,  while  her  face,  though 
somewhat  paler  than  usual,  betrayed  no  change  of  muscle. 

"'Laura,'  I  repeated,  in  tones  more  distinct,  '  are  we 
wow  to  part,  and  for  ever?' 

"  '  Father  says  so,'  she  replied.  Her  hand  fell  from  my 
grasp.  The  unmoved,  indifferent  manner  of  her  reply 
froze  my  blood  in  my  veins  !  I  again  stared  at  her  com 
posed  features  in  astonishment  allied  to  contempt. 

"  'But  what  do  you  say  ?'  I  asked,  with  a  bluntness  that 
startled  her. 


A    NARRATIVE.  21\ 

"'Father  knows  best,  perhaps  !'  she  replied,  turning  hoi 
eyes  to  mine,  I  thought,  with  calmness. 

"'Laura,'  said  I,  again  taking  her  hand,  for  I  was 
once  more  subdued  by  her  beauty,  '  I  love  you  with  my 
whole  soul,  and  must  continue  to  love  you.  Ay,  were  you 
even  to  spurn  me  with  your  foot,  so  indissolubly  have  my 
affections  grown  to  your  image,  that  my  bleeding  heart 
W)ukl  turn  in  adoration  to  the  smiter.  And  I  fcndly 
hoped  and  believed  that  the  passion  was  returned — indeed, 
I  had  your  assurance  of  the  fact ;  nay,  think  not  I  design 
to  reproach  you.  It  were  bootless,  had  I  the  heart  to  do 
it.  Be  assured  that  were  you  not  only  cruel  to  me,  but 
steeped  in  crime  and  guilty  of  injustice  to  the  whole  human 
race,  I  would  still  be  your  friend  were  all  others  to  forsake 
you.  Deem  me  never  your  foe,  or  capable  of  ever  becom 
ing  such.  May  heaven  bless  you  !  We  part — but,  under 
any  circumstances,  should  adverse  fortune  overtake  you 
and  I  can  be  of  service,  I  beg  you  not  to  hesitate  to  apply 
to  me.  You  will  find  me  still  your  friend.  I  will  not  at 
tempt  to  reverse  the  decision  which  you  have  made.  How 
ever  humiliating  and  poignant  the  thought  may  be  that  I 
was  unconsciously  the  means  of  introducing  the  object  that 
influenced  your  decision,  yet  I  will  not  murmur,  neither 
will  I  become  his  enemy,  for  your  sake.  I  hope  you  will 
be  happy.  I  pray  that  heaven  may  incline  your  heart  to 
be  true  and  constant  to  Wold.' 

"  '  I  hope  so,'  said  she  in  a  low  tone. 

"'Laura,'  said  I,  rising,  'you  confess,  tnen,  that  Wold 
possesses  your  love  ?' 

"  'Yes,'  said  she  ;  'but  I  cannot  help  it !' 

" '  Farewell !'  said  I,  kissing  her  yielding  hand,  and 
turning  deliberately  away,  though  with  the  sensation  of 
one  stunned  by  a  thunderbolt.  I  returned  home,  and  threw 
myself  like  a  loathsome  carcass  upon  my  couch.  I  could 
not  even  think.  My  mind  seemed  like  some  untenanted 
recess  in  the  unfathomable  depths  below.  Instantaneous 
death,  and  even  eternal  perdition  afterwards,  could  have 
presented  no  new  horrors  then.  It  was  haply  the  design 
of  Providence  that  the  thought  of  self-destruction  should 
not  occur  to  me.  With  the  means  in  my  reach,  I  would 
in  all  probability  have  rushed,  uncalled  and  unprepared, 
into  the  presence  of  an  offended  Creator, 


21*2-  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

"A  fever  and  delirium,  such  as  possessed  the  poor  youth 
lying  there,,  ensued.  Under  the  kind  care  of  my  preceptor, 
my  malady  abated  in  a  few  weeks;  and,  as  I  recovered,  a 
change  took  place  in  my  sentiments  regarding  the  events 
that  produced  my  illness.  My  pride  rose  up  to  my  relief, 
and  I  resolved  to  overcome  the  effects  of  my  disappoint 
ment.  Yet  my  heart  melted  in  tenderness  when  I  recalled 
the  blissful  moments  I  had  known  with  Laura.  But  I  de 
termined  to  prosecute  my  plans  of  life  as  if  no  such  occur 
rence  had  transpired. 

"  A  few  days  after  bidding  Laura  adieu,  she  returned  to 
Boston,  accompanied  by  Wold.  Wold  obtained  his  diploma 
while  I  was  writhing  with  disease.  Even  the  loss  of  my 
degree  was  now  borne  with  patience  and  resignation.  I 
forgave  Wold,  and  implored  him  to  make  Laura  happy. 
He  promised  faithfully  to  do  so  when  on  the  eve  of  setting 
out  with  her.  I  did  not  desire  to  see  her  myself,  but  sent 
my  forgiveness  and  blessing. 

"  In  a  few  months  my  diploma  was  obtained,  and  I  com 
menced  the  practice  under  the  most  favourable  circum 
stances.  My  late  preceptor  was  now  my  partner.  Nearly 
a  year  elapsed  before  Wold  returned  to  New  York.  But  a 
rumor  preceded  him  "which  again- opened  all  the  fountains 
of  bitterness  in  my  heart.  It  was  said  (and  only  two  or 
three  were  possessed  of  the  secret)  that  he  had  betrayed 
and  ruined  the  lovely  Laura !  I  sought  him,  to  ascertain 
from  his  own  lips  if  he  had  truly  committed  the  act  im 
puted  to  him.  I  resolved  to  avenge  her !  But  Wold 
avoided  me.  I  could  not  obtain  his  ear,  and  all  my  notea 
to  him  remained  unanswered.  Despairing  of  getting  an 
immediate  answer  from  him,  I  repaired  to  Mrs.  Arras. 
Her  house  was  in  gloom  and  sorrow.  When  she  appeared, 
my  heart  sank  within  me  to  behold  her  sad  and  mournful 
brow.  She  pressed  my  extended  hand,  while  a  flood  of 
tears  gushed  from  her  eyes. 

"  I  knew  by  the  disconsolate  aspect  of  the  aunt  that 
the  niece  had  been  dragged  down  from  her  high  estate 
of  virtue,  fortune,  and  fame.  I  sat  down,  and  bowed  my 
head  in  sorrow  many  minutes  before  the  first  word  waa 
spoken.  I  still  loved  Laura.  What  could  I  say  ?  how 
begin  ? 

"  *  It  is  true  !'  I  at  length  exclaimed,  rising  up,  and  r-ao 


A   NARRATIVE.  2lsJ 

ing  the  floor  rapidly,  while  many  a  tear  ran  down  mj 
cheek. 

"  '  Alas !  it  is  too  true,'  iterated  Mrs.  Arras. 

"'The  black-hearted  villain!'  I  continued. 

"  *  Ah,  Mr.  Glenn,  her  fate  would  have  been  different,  i! 
your  addresses  had  not  been  so  cruelly  spurned !  God 
knows  I  was  not  to  blame  !'  said  she. 

"'No,  Mrs.  Arras,'  said  I;  'had  your  will  been  done, 
I  had  not  been  made  miserable  by  the  bereavement,  nor 
the  beautiful,  the  innocent — the — Laura,  with  all  her 
errors,  dishonoured,  ruined,  crushed !  But  the  betrayer, 
the  viper  that  stung  her,  still  breathes.  I  loved  her — I 
love  her  yet — and  I  will  be  her  avenger !'  Saying  this, 
I  rushed  away,  heedless  of  the  matron's  half-uttered  en 
treaties  to  remain  and  to  desist  from  my  plan  of  ven 
geance. 

"There  was  a  young  student  of  my  acquaintance,  a 
brave,  chivalrous,  noble  Virginian,  to  whom  I  imparted 
Laura's  sad  story.  He  frankly  agreed  with  me  that  tln» 
venomous  reptile  in  the  human  shape  that  could  beguile 
an  unsuspecting  and  lovely  girl  to  minister  to  his  unhal 
lowed  desires,  and  then,  without  hesitation  or  remorse, 
abandon  her  to  the  dark,  despairing  shades  of  a  frowning 
world,  while  he  crawled  on  to  insinuate  his  poison  into  the 
breasts  of  new  victims,  should  be  pursued,  hunted  down, 
and  exterminated.  Yet  there  was  but  one  way  for  me  to 
punish  Wold.  The  ignominy  of  the  act,  and  the  indigna 
tion  of  a  virtuous  community  were  to  him  matters  of  hi' 
difference.  The  circle  in  which  he  moved  would  smile  at 
the  misfortune  of  his  victim,  and  applaud  his  address,  were 
the  affair  published.  I  resolved  that  he  should  answer  it 
to  me  alone.  I  had  sworn  in  my  heart  to  be  Laura's 
avenger. 

"  I  penned  a  message  which  was  delivered  by  my  young 
Virginian  friend  in  person.  Wold  said  he  had  no  quarrel 
with  me,  and  strove  to  evade  the  subject.  He  sent  me  a 
note,  demanding  wherein  he  had  ever  wronged  me,  and 
stating  that  he  was  ready  and  willing  to  explain  any  thing 
that  might  have  offended  me.  I  returned  his  note,  with  a 
line  on  the  same  sheet,  informing  him  that  I  was  the  friend 
sf  Laura;  and  that  he  must  either  meet  me  in  the  manner 
indicated  in  my  message,  or  I  would  publicly  brand  him  aa 


WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

a  dastardly  scoundrel.  He  bit  his  lip,  and  referred  my  friend 
tc  one  of  his  companions  in  iniquity,  a  Mr.  Knabb,  who 
lived  by  the  profession  of  cards  and  dice.  It  was  arranged 
that  we  should  meet  on  one  of  the  islands  near  the  city, 
and  that  it  should  be  the  next  morning.  This  was  what  I 
desired,  and  I  had  urged  my  friend  to  effect  as  speedy  a 
consummation  of  the  affair  as  possible.  All  the  tumult  and 
perturbation  that  raged  in  my  bosom  on  parting  with  Laura 
had  returned,"  and  the  throbbing  of  my  brain  was  almost 
insufferable.  It  was  with  difficulty  that  my  young  friend 
prevailed  upon  me  to  embrace  the  few  intermediate  hours 
before  the  meeting  to  practice  with  the  pistol.  I  heeded 
not  his  declaration  that  Wold  was  an  excellent  she t,  because 
I  felt  convinced  that  justice  was  on  my  side.  I  thought 
that  the  criminal  must  inevitably  fall.  However,  I  con 
sented  to  practice  a  little  to  quiet  his  importunity  Truly, 
it  seemed  that  his  urgent  solicitation  was  reasonable  enough, 
for  the  first  fire  my  ball  was  several  feet  wide  of  i  *ie  mark. 
I  had  never  fired  a  pistol  before  in  my  life.  But  there  was 
no  quivering  of  nerve,  no  misgiving  as  to  my  fate ;  for  not 
withstanding  I  was  aware  of  being  a  novice,  yet  I  enter 
tained  a  conviction,  a  presentiment,  that  the  destroyer  of 
my  Laura's  innocence  would  fall  beneath  my  hand.  The 
next  fire  I  did  better,  and  soon  learned  to  strike  the  centre. 
"We  were  all  on  the  ground  at  the  hour  appointed. 
While  the  seconds  were  arranging  the  necessary  prelimi 
naries,  Wold,  finding  that  my  eyes  rested  steadily  upon 
him,  endeavoured  to  intimidate  me.  There  was  a  bush 
some  thirty  paces  distant,  from  which  a  slim,  solitary  sprout 
ran  up  several  feet  above  the  rest  of  the  branches.  He 
gazed  an  instant  at  it  while  I  was  marking  him,  and  then 
raised  his  pistol,  and  fired  in  the  direction.  The  sprout 
fell.  Turning,  his  eyes  met  mine,  while  a  slight  smile  waa 
visible  on  his  lip.  The  effect  did  not  realize  his  hopes.  I 
looked  upon  the  act  'with  such  cold  indifference  that  he  at 
first  betrayeu  surprise  at  my  calmness,  and  then  exhibited 
palpable  signs  of  trepidation  himself.  He  beckoned  Knabb 
to  him,  and,  after  a  brief  conference  in  a  low  tone,  his  se 
cond  returned  to  my  friend,  and  inquired  if  no  amends,  no 
reconciliation,  could  avert  the  exchange  of  shots.  My 
friend  reported  his  words  to  me,  and  my  reply  was  that 
nothing  but  the  restitution  of  the  maiden's  honour — instant 


A   NARRATIVE.  215 

marriage — would  be  satisfaction.  Wold  protested — mar 
riage  was  utterly  impossible  under  exist;ng  circumstances 
— but  he  would  do  any  thing  else.  But  nothing  else  would 
answer;  and  I  insisted  on  proceeding  to  business  without 
further  delay.  Wold  heard  me,  and  became  pale.  When 
we  were  placed  at  our  respective  stations,  and  while  the 
final  arrangements  were  being  adjusted,  I  thought  his  re 
plies  to  his  friend's  observations  betrayed  much  alarm. 
But  there  was  no  retreat.  I  was  never  calmer  in  my  life, 
I  even  smiled  when  my  careful  friend  told  me  that  he  had 
detected  and  prevented  a  concerted  plan  that  would  have 
given  Wold  the  advantage.  The  word  Avas  given.  Wold's 
ball  struck  the  earth  before  me,  and  threw  some  sand  in  my 
face.  Mine  entered  the  seducer's  side  !  I  saw  him  gasp, 
reel,  and  fall,  while  the  blood  gushed  out  on  the  beach. 
My  friend  hurried  me  away,  and  paused  not  until  he  had 
placed  me  in  a  stage  just  starting  for  Philadelphia.  I 
clasped  his  hand  in  silence,  and  the  next  moment  the  horse's 
plunged  away  at  the  crack  of  the  driver's  whip,  and  we 
were  soon  far  on  the  road.  Reflection  ere  long  convinced 
me  that  I  had  been  guilty  of  an  unjustifiable  act.  If  it 
was  no  crime  in  the  estimation  of  men,  it  was  certainly  a 
grievous  transgression  in  the  eyes  of  God !  I  then  trem 
bled.  The  bleeding  form  and  reproachful  stare  of  Wold 
haunted  my  vision  when  the  darkness  set  in.  Oh,  the 
errors,  in  act  and  deed,  of  an  impetuous  youth  thrown  upon 
the  world  with  no  considerate  friend  to  advise  him !  The 
pity  I  felt  for  Laura  was  soon  forgotten  in  the  horrible 
thought  that  I  was  a  MURDERER  !  Oh,  the  anguish  of  that 
night!  Why  did  I  not  leave  Wold  to  the  judgment  of  an 
offended  God?  Why  did  I  not  permit  him  to  suffer  the 
gnawing  of  the  canker  that  must  ever  abide  in  his  heart, 
instead  of  staining  my  hands  with  his  blood?  Freely  would 
I  have  abandoned  every  hope  of  pleasure  in  the  world  to 
have  washed  his  blood  away ! 

"When  I  arrived  in  Philadelphia,  with  a  heavy  heart,  I 
sought  a  quiet  hotel,  not  daring  to  confront  my  uncle  with 
such  a  tale  of  wo  and  crime.  For  several  days  I  remained 
in  my  chamber  without  seeing  any  one  but  the  servant  that 
brought  my  food.  At  length  I  asked  for  a  NCAV  York 
paper.  For  more  than  an  hour  after  it  was  brought  I  could 
not  summon  courage  to  peruse  the  hated  tragedy.  Finally 


216  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES'. 

I  snatched  up  the  sheet  convulsively  and  glanced  along  the 
columns.  When  ray  eyes  rested  upon  the  paragraph  I  waa 
in  quest  of,  I  sprang  to  my  feet  in  ecstasy.  The  wound 
had  not  been  fatal!  Wold  still  lived! 

"  In  a  twinkling  I  was  dressed  and  on  my  way  to  my 
uncle's  residence.  Notwithstanding  there  was  a  dreadful 
epidemic  in  the  city,  and  hearses  and  mourners  were  pass 
ing  every  few  minutes,  I  felt  within  a  buoyancy  that  defied 
the  terrors  of  disease  and  death. 

"  But  it  seemed  that  disaster  and  desolation  were  fated 
to  attend  me  whithersoever  I  turned.  A  gloom  brooded 
upon  my  heart  when  I  approached  my  uncle's  mansion, 
and  found  the  badge  of  mourning  at  the  door.  I  paused 
and  asked  the  servant  who  was  dead.  He  informed  me 
that  my  uncle  alone  remained.  His  wife  and  children,  all 
had  been  consigned  to  the  tomb  the  day  before,  and  he 
himself  now  lay  writhing  with  the  fell  disease.  I  rushed  in 
and  entered  the  sick  chamber.  It  was  the  chamber  of 
death.  My  uncle  pressed  my  hand  and  died.  I  followed 
him  to  the  grave,  the  chief  and  almost  only  mourner. 

"  I  returned  and  shut  myself  up  in  the  mansion,  bewil 
dered  and  stupefied.'  I  was  now  the  possessor  of  immense 
wealth.  But  I  was  unhappy.  I  knew  not  what  to  do  to 
enjoy  life.  Gradually  the  pestilence  abated  and  disap- 
>eared,  and  by  degrees  the  gloom  that  oppressed  me  sub 
sided.  At  the  end  cf  a  few  months,  I  was  informed  by  my 
young  Virginian  friend  that  Wold  had  entirely  recovered. 
I  likewise  received  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Arras,  stating  that 

Judge had  sought  out  Laura,  (who  had  been  enticed 

to  an  obscure  part  of  the  city,)  and,  as  her  misfortune  had 
been  kept  a  profound  secret  among  the  few,  he  forgave  the 
offence,  and  once  more  extended  to  her  a  father's  love  and 
a  father's  protection.  I  need  not  say  that  a  blissful  thrill 
bounded  through  my  veins.  Wold  was  living,  and  Laura 
not  irrecoverably  lost.  Yet  I  did  not  then  deem  it  possible 
that  I  could,  under  such  circumstances,  ever  desire  to  pos 
sess  the  once  adored,  but  since  truly  fallen,  Laura.  But  I 
experienced  a  sweet  gratification  to  be  thus  informed  of 
the  prospect  of  her  being  reinstated  in  society.  My  lovo 
was  not  yet  wholly  extinguished ! 

"When  it  was  generally  known  that  I  possessed  great 
riches,  a  crowd  of  flatterers  and  sycophants  hovered  around 


A    NARRATIVE.  217 

me.  I  was  a  distinguished  guest  at  the  mansions  of  the 
fashionable  and  great,  and  had  in  turn  many  brilliant  par 
ties  at  my  residence.  But  among  the  tinsel  and  glitter  of 
the  gay  world  I  sought  in  vain  for  peace  and  happiness. 
Many  beautiful  and  bewitching  belles  lavished  their  sweet 
est  smiles  upon  me,  but  they  could  not  re-ignite  the  smo 
thered  flame  in  my  bosom.  Wine  could  only  exhilarate  for 
a  moment,  to  be  succeeded  by  a  gnawing  nausea.  Cards 
could  only  excite  while  I  lost,  to  be  succeeded  by  irritability 
and  disgust. 

"  Thus  my  time  was  spent  for  twelve  months,  when  I 
suddenly  conceived  the  resolution  to  seek  a  union  with  the 
ill-fated  Laura,  notwithstanding  all  the  obloquy  the  world 
might  attach  to  the  act.  I  still  loved  her  in  spite  of  myself. 
I  could  not  live  in  peace  without  her,  and  I  determined 
without  delay  to  offer  her  my  hand,  heart,  and  fortune.  I 
set  out  for  Boston,  and  on  my  arrival  instantly  proceeded 

to  the  residence  of  Judge .  Again  my  evil  star  was 

in  the  ascendant.  Desolation  and  death  presided  in  Judge 

— 's  family.  The  ominous  badge  of  mourning  greeted 
me  at  the  threshold;  Laura's  mother  had  just  been  con 
signed,  broken-hearted,  to  the  cold  grave.  The  venerable 
Judge  bowed  his  hoary  head  to  the  blows  that  Providence 
inflicted.  He  could  not  speak  to  me.  His  reply  to  my 
offer  in  relation  to  his  child  was  only  a  flood  of  tears.  He 
then  retreated  into  his  library  and  locked  the  door.  An 
aged  domestic  told  me  all.  Laura  had  abandoned  her  pa 
rental  roof,  and  voluntarily  entered  one  of  those  sinks  of 
pollution  that  so  much  degrade  human  nature !  I  stood 
upon  an  awful  abyss.  The  whirlpools  of  deceit,  ingrati 
tude,  indifference,  and  calumny,  howled  around  me,  and 
the  dark  floods  of  sensual' corruption  roared  below.  Turn 
whithersoever  1  might  (alas,  I  thought  not  of  heaven !)  gloom, 
discord,  and  misery  seemed  to  be  my  portion. 

"  I  hurried  back  to  Philadelphia,  and  strove  to  mitigate 
my  grief  in  the  vortex  of  unrestrained  dissipation.  I 
lavished  my  gold  on  undeserving  and  unthankful  objects.  I 
cared  not  for  life,  much  less  for  fortune.  I  was  the  victim 
of  a  frenzy  that  rendered  me  reckless,  and  bereft  me  of  calm 
meditation.  My  frantic  laughter  was  heard  at  the  gaming 
table,  and  my  plaudits  were  boisterous  at  the  theatre,  but 
i  was  a  stranger  to  enjoyiucut.  There  was  no  pleasure 


218  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

for  roe.  My  brawling  companions  swore  I  was  the  happiest 
and  noblest  being  on  earth.  But  I  knew  too  well  there 
was  not  a  more  miserable  fiend  in  hell. 

"  At  length  disease  fortunately  arrested  my  demoniac 
career  before  my  wealth  was  expended.  It  was  my  good 
fortune  to  secure  the  services  of  a  distinguished  and  skill 
ful  physician.  He  was  a  benevolent  and  universally  esteem 
ed  Quaker.  His  attention  was  not  only  constant,  but 
soothing  and  parental.  His  earnest  and  tender  tones  often 
made  me  weep.  When  I  recovered,  I  resolved  to  amend 
my  life.  This  friend  had  applied  a  healing  balm  to  my 
aching  heart.  I  determined  t6  prosecute  my  profession, 
and  before  a  year  elapsed  my  exertions  began  to  be  crowned 
with  success. 

"  I  was  a  frequent  attendant  at  the  lectures,  and  on  terms 
of  the  closest  intimacy  with  the  professors.  Indeed,  I  had 
a  prospect  of  a  professorship  myself.  I  devoted  my  atten 
tion  particularly  to  the  anatomical  department  of  my  studies, 
which  I  preferred;  and  it  was  in  this  department  of  the 
institution  that  I  would  probably  be  installed  in  a  few  months. 
The  gentleman  who  occupied  that  chair  was  about  to  resign, 
and,  being  my  friend,  used  his  influence  to  procure  my 
election. 

"  My  medical  friend  invited  me  one  evening  to  be  present 
at  a  dissection,  which  promised  to  be  one  of  extreme  inte 
rest.  He  described  the  subject  as  one  that  had  elicited  the 
admiration  of  the  class.  He  said  it  was  a  female  of  perfect 
proportions,  but  who  had  recently  been  an  inmate  of  a 
brothel  of  the  lowest  description.  She  had,  in  a  state  of 
beastly  inebriation,  fallen  into  the  fire.  Yet,  with  the  ex 
ception  of  a  small  but  fatal  orifice  in  the  side,  her  form  and 
features  remained  unaltered.  I  consented  to  meet  him  at 
the  hour  appointed,  and  made  my  arrangements  accord 
ingly. 

"  That  evening  there  were  many  more  persons  in  the 
dissecting-room  than  usual.  I  had  now  become  much  more 
cheerful,  and  enjoyed  the  frank  greetings  of  my  many 
fiiends  with  a  relish  and  an  ardour  that  had  hitherto  been  un 
known  to  me.  Many  flippant  remarks  and  careless  observa 
tions  were  exchanged  in  relation  to  the  business  before  us. 
We  had  become  accustomed  to  such  scenes,  and  habit  had 
rendered  us  callou?  to  the  reflections  and  impressions  gent* 


A   NARRATIVE.  219 

rally  produced  when  gazing  upon  the  cold  lineaments  of 
the  dead.  Dissection  was  an  indispensable  act.  It  had 
been  resorted  to  under  the  deliberate  conviction  that  it  was 
necessary  to  the  perfection  of  science,  and  in  a  great  degree 
redounded  to  the  welfare  and  preservation  of  the  living.  To 
us  the  pale  inanimate  limbs,  and  the  attenuated,  insensible 
bodies  of  the  dead  brought  no  disagreeable  sensations.  We 
cut  and  sawed  them  with  the  same  composed  indifference 
with  which  the  sculptor  hews  the  marble. 

"'This  is  a  beautiful  subject  we  have  to-night,  Glenn,' 
observed  one  of  my  friends,  as  we  approached  the  dead  body. 
He  then  threw  up  ths  white  cloth,  and  exposed  the  corpse, 
the  head  being  still  obscured.  A  breathless  silerice  reigned, 
while  all  gazed  at  the  lifeless  form  in  admiration.  She  was 
a  perfect  Venus  !  Not  having  been  wasted  and  shrivelled 
bj  disease,  the  symmetry  of  her  lineaments  was  preserved 
ID.  all  the  exactness  of  life  and  health.  Her  bust  was  full, 
plump,  and  the  skin  of  the  most  exquisite  whiteness,  except 
where  it  had  been  marred  by  the  fire  that  caused  her 
death.  Her  limbs  surpassed  any  model  I  had  ever  beheld, 
round  and  tapering,  smooth  and  white  as  ivory.  Her 
ankles  were  most  admirably  turned,  and  her  feet  of  the 
smallest  dimensions.  Her  handsome  and  gently  swelling 
arms  were  covered  with  a  slight  gauze  of  short,  dark  hair, 
through  which  the  snowy  whiteness  of  her  skin  was  displayed 
to  greater  advantage.  Her  hands  were  extremely  delicate, 
a^d  indicated  that  she  had  been  accustomed  to  ease  rnd 
luxury. 

"  I  was  requested  to  open  her  breast  and  exhibit  to 
the  students  the  formation  and  functions  of  the  heart. 
She  was  lying  on  her  back,  on  a  long  narrow  table, 
around  which  the  students  stood  gazing  at  her  fair  pro 
portions.  Some  reflected  in  sorrow  that  so  beautiful 
and  lovely  a  being  should  die  and  be  conveyed  to  the 
dissecting-room ;  while  others  joked  and  laughed  in  a 
light  unfeeling  manner.  When  about  to  make  an  incision 
with  the  sharp  glittering  steel  in  my  hand,  for  the  first 
time  since  I  had  graduated,  I  confessed  that  my  nerves 
were  too  much  affected  by  the  sight  of  the  subject  to  pro 
ceed,  and  I  begged  my  friends  to  be  patient  a  few  minutes, 
during  which  L  would  doubtless  regain  my  accustomed 
composure. 


220  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"'  Wlidt  waa  her  name?'  I  inquired  of  the  friend  wha 
had  accosted  me  on  my  entrance. 

"  '  Haven't  you  heard  ?'  said  he,  smiling — '  I  thought  you 
all  knew  her.  Nearly  every  person  in  the  city  has  heard 
of  her,  for  she  was  the  most  celebrated  and  notorious 
"  fallen  angel"  in  the  city — celebrated  for  her  unrivalled 
beauty  and  many  triumphs,  and  notorious  for  her  heartless 
deceit  and  reckless  disregard  of  her  own  welfare.  She  haa 
led  captive  many  an  unguarded  swain  by  a. passing  smile 
in  the  street,  and  then  unceremoniously  deserted  him  to 
join  some  drunken  and  beastly  party  in  an  obscure  and  de 
graded  alley.' 

"  '  Her  name — what  was  her  name  ?'  I  again  asked,  once 
more  taking  up  the  knife,  my  nerves  sufficiently  braced  by 
the  above  recital. 

"'Anne  R -,'  he  replied;  'I  thought,'  he  continued, 

'  no  one  could  be  ignorant  of  her  name,  after  hearing  a  de 
scription  of  her  habits.' 

" '  All  of  us,'  I  continued,  rallying,  '  are  not  familiar 
with  the  persons  and  names  of  the  "  fallen  angels"  about 
town.  But  let  us  look  at  her  face.'  Saying  this,  I  en 
deavoured  to  lift  the  white  cloth  from  her  head,  but  finding 
that  the  resurrectionist  had  tied  a  cord  tightly  round  the 
muslin  enclosing  her  neck  and  head,  I  desisted. 

"  '  Her  face  is  in  keeping  with  her  body  and  limbs,'  said 
my  merry  friend  ;  '  she  was  a  perfect  beauty.  I  have  seen 
her  in  Chestnut  Street  every  fair  day  for  the  last  six  months, 
until  she  got  drunk  and  fell  in  the  fire.' 

"  I  now  proceeded  to  business,  but  my  flesh  quivered  as 
my  knife  penetrated  the  smooth  fair  breast  of  the  subject. 
Soon  the  skin  and  the  flesh  were  removed,  and  the  saw 
grated  harshly  as  it  severed  the  ribs.  When  the  heart  was 
exposed,  all  bent  forward  instinctively,  scanning  it  minutely, 
and  seemingly  with  a  curiosity  to  ascertain  if  it  differed 
from  those  of  others  whose  lives  were  different. 

"  When  the  operation  was  over,  my  anxiety  to  see  her 
face  returned.  After  an  ineffectual  effort  to  untie  the  cord, 
I  became  impatient,  and  seizing  the  knife  that  lay  on  the 
table,  ripped  open  the  muslin  that  hid  her  features  !  My 
God  !  The  knife  dropped  from  my  bund,  and  penetrating 
cne  floor,  quivered  upright  at  my  feet,  while  every  member 
of  my  bo^.y  trembled  in  unison  with  it !  I  raised  my  hands 


It  was  Laura,  the  loved,  adored  Laura !— P.  2 


A   NARRATIVE.  221 

with  my  fingers  spread  out  to  the  utmost  tension.  My  mouth 
fell  open,  and  my  eyes  felt  as  if  they  were  straining  to  leap 
from  my  head.  It  was  Laura — the  loved,  adored  Laura — > 
my  Laura !  My  friends  heard  me  repeat  the  name,  and 
marked  with  surprise  and  concern  my  inexplicably  miserable 
condition.  They  gathered  round  me,  and  endeavoured  to 
divert  my  attention  from  the  dead  and  now  gory  body.  It 
was  in  vain.  I  heeded  not  their  words,  but  gazed  stead 
fastly  at  the  sad  features  of  Laura,  with  my  hands  still 
uplifted.  I  was  speechless,  deaf,  and  immovable.  No  tear 
moistened  my  eyes,  but  burning  thoughts  rushed  through 
my  brain.  My  heart  was  cold,  cold.  Ah,  I  remembered 
how  I  had  loved  her  once  !  I  thought  of  the  time  when  I 
was  happy  to  bow  down  at  her  feet,  and  in  good  faith 
attribute  to  her  many  of  the  pure  qualities  pertaining  to 
risen  angels.  And  this  was  her  end  !  The  beautiful  and 
innocent — the  loving  and  beloved-r-the  high  born  and 
wealthy — the  light  and  joy  of  fond  and  indulgent  parents 
— had  been  beguiled  by  the  infernal  tempter  to  make  one 
step  aside  from  the  straight  and  narrow  path  of  duty — and 
this  was  the  result !  The  sensitive  and  guileless  girl 
became  an  incarnate  fiend,  callous  to  every  modest  and 
virtuous  impulse — scorned  by  the  honest  and  good,  and 
hating  and  undermining  the  redeeming  principles  of  her 
species — rushing  from  the  high  station  which  her  ancestors 
had  arduously  laboured  for  generations  to  attain,  and  volun 
tarily  taking  up  her  abode  in  the  dens  of  squalid  misery 
and  indelible  pollution — closing  her  eyes  to  the  might  and 
majesty  of  a  merciful  God,  beckoning  her  to  his  eternal 
throne  in  heaven,  and  giving  heed  to  the  fatal  devices  of 
the  enemy  of  mankind,  till  she  was  dragged  down,  down 
to  the  innermost  depths  of  a  raging  and  roaring  hell !  Such 
was  the  fate  of  Laura.  Such  is  the  fate  of  thousands  wh' 
willingly  err,  though  it  be  ever  so  slight,  for  the  sake  of 
enjoying  an  impious  gratification.  Poor  Laura !  Oh,  how 
1  loved  her !  But  it  is  bootless  to  think  of  her  now. 

"  I  was  gently  forced  from  the  dissecting-room  by  my 
friends,  arid  conducted  to  my  home  in  silence — in  silence, 
because  I  had  no  words  for  any  one.  I  pressed  their  hands 
at  the  door  of  my  mansion,  and  bowing,  they  departed  for 
their  homes  to  muse  over  the  incidents  of  the  evening 
I  <>\|tered  my  silent  chamber,  but  not  to  rest.  I  threw  opeu 


222  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

the  casement  and  gazed  out  at  the  genial  rays  of  the  moon. 
The  dark  green  leaves  of  the  linden  trees  were  motionless, 
and  the  silvery  rays  struggling  through  them  cast  a  check 
ered  and  faint  tint  of  mingled  light  and  shade  on  the 
pavement  beneath.  The  cool  fresh  air  soothed  my  throb 
bing  temples.  I  sank  back  in  my  seat  and  gazed  up  at 
the  innumerable  stars  in  the  boundless  sky.  I  thought 
the  stellar  host  glittered  with  unusual  brilliance,  as  if  there 
woie  a  joyous  and  holy  revelry  going  on  in  heaven.  My 
heart  grew  calm.  I  felt  a  conviction  that  true  happiness, 
and  purity  of  thought  and  purpose  were  inseparable.  I 
knew  that  the  contaminations  of  the  world  had  overthrown 
many  a  righteous  resolve,  and  linked  the  noblest  minded 
with  infamy.  I  thought  of  Laura.  The  seductions  of  the 
world  had  literally  prostrated  an  angel  before  my  eyes.  I 
determined  to  leave  the  world,  if  not  for  ever,  at  least  as  long 
as  its  temptations  to  err,  in  the  remotest  degree,  were  liable 
to  beset  my  path.  I  came  hither." 

When  Glenn  finished  his  narrative,  Roughgrove  rose  in 
silence,  and  producing  a  small  Bible  that  he  always  carried 
about  his  person,  read  in  a  low,  but  distinct  and  impressive 
tone,  several  passages  which  were  peculiarly  applicable  to 
the  state  of  their  feelings.  Glenn  then  approached  the  couch 
where  William  slumbered  peacefully.  A  healthful  perspira 
tion  rested  on  his  forehead,  and  a  sweet  smile  played  upon 
his  lips,  indicating  that  his  dreams  were  not  among  the 
savage  scenes  in  which  he  had  so  lately  mingled.  Mary, 
who  had  fallen  asleep  while  seated  at  his  side,  overcome 
with  silent  watching,  yet  rested  with  her  head  on  the  same 
pillow,  precisely  in  the  same  attitude  she  reclined  when 
Glenn  began  his  recital.  Roughgrove  took  her  in  his*  arms, 
and  placing  her  softly  at  her  brother's  feet,  bestowed  a  km 
upon  her  brow,  and  retired  with  Glenn  to  res** 


A   NARRATIVE.  223 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

rf&lmy  spring — Joe's  curious  dream — He  prepares  to  catch  a  fish — Gleaa 
— William  and  Mary — Joe's  sudden  and  strange  appearance — La-u-na 
— The  trembling  fawn — The  fishing  sport — The  ducking  frolic — Sneak 
and  the  panther. 

IT  was  now  the  first  week  in  May.  Every  vestige  of 
winter  had  long  since  disappeared,  and  the  verdure  of  a 
rich  soil  and  mild  temperature  was  fast  enrobing  the  earth 
with  the  freshest  and  most  pleasing  of  colours.  Instead  of 
the  dreary  expanse  of  ice  that  had  covered  the  river,  its 
waters  now  murmured  musically  by  in  the  early  morn — 
its  curling  eddies  running  along  the  sedgy  shore,  while  the 
rising  sun  slowly  dissipated  the  floating  mists ;  and  the  in 
spiring  notes  of  all  the  wild  variety  of  birds,  contributed 
to  invest  the  scene  with  such  charms  as  the  God  of  nature 
only  can  impart,  and  which  may  only  be  fully  enjoyed 
and  justly  appreciated  by  guileless  and  unsophisticated 
mortals. 

Glenn  rambled  forth,  and,  partaking  the  harmony  that 
pervaded  the  earth,  air,  and  waters,  his  breast  swelled 
with  a  blissful  exultation  that  can  never  be  known  amid 
the  grating  voices  of  contending  men,  or  experienced  in 
crowded  cities,  where  many  confused  sounds  vibrate  harshly 
and  distracting  on  the  ear.  He  stood  in  his  little  garden 
among  the  flowers  that  Mary  had  planted,  and  watched 
the  humming-birds  poised  among  the  trembling  leaves, 
their  tiny  wings  still  unruffled  by  the  dew,  while  their 
slender  beaks  inhaled  the  sweet  moisture  of  the  varie 
gated  blossoms.  Long  he  regarded  the  enchanting  scene, 
unconscious  of  the  flight  of  time,  and  alike  regardless  of  the 
past  and  the  future  in  his  all-absorbing  admiration  of  the 
present,  wherein  he  deemed  he  was  not  far  remote  from  that 
Presence  to  which  time  and  eternity  are  obedient — when 
his  phantasm  was  abruptly  and  unceremoniously  put  to 
dight  by  his  man  J^e,  who  rushed  out  of  the  house  with  a 


224  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

long  rod  in  his  hand,  yawning  and  rubbing  his  eyes,  as  if 
he  had  been  startled  from  his  morning  slumber  but  a  mo* 
ment  before. 

"  What's  the  matter  ?"  demanded  Glenn. 

"It  was  a  wapper !"  said  Joe. 

"What  was?" 

"  The  fish." 

"  Where  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  I'll  tell  you.  I  dreamt  I  was  sitting  on  a  rock,  down 
at  the  ferry,  with  this  rod  in  my  hand,  fishing  for  perch, 
when  a  thundering  big  catfish,  as  long  as  I  am,  took  hold. 
I  dreamt  he  pulled  and  I  pulled — sometimes  he  had  me  in 
the  water  up  to  my  knees,  and  sometimes  I  got  him  out  on 
dry  land.  But  he  always  flounced  and  kicked  back  again. 
Yet  he  couldn't  escape,  because  the  hook  was  still  in  his 
mouth,  and  when  he  jumped  into  the  river  I  jumped  to  the 
rod,  and  so  we  had  it  over  and  over " 

"And  now  have  done  with  it,"  said  Glenn,  interrupting 
him.  "What  are  you  holding  the  rod  now  for?" 

"  I'm  going  to  try  to  catch  him,"  said  Joe,  with  unaf 
fected  simplicity. 

"  Merely  because  you  had  this  dream  !"  continued  Glenn, 
his  features  relaxing  into  a  smile. 

"Yes — I  believe  in  dreams,"  said  Joe.  "Once,  when 
we  were  living  in  Philadelphia,  I  had  one  of  these  same 
dreams.  It  was  just  about  the  same  hour " 

"  How  do  you  know  what  hour  it  was  you  dreamt  about 
the  fish  ?"  again  interrupted  Glenn. 

"Why — I ,"  stammered  Joe,  "I'm  sure  it  was 

about  daybreak,  because  the  sun  rose  a  little  while  after  I 
got  out." 

"  That  might  be  the  case,"  said  Glenn,  "  if  you  were  to 
dream  about  the  same  thing  from  sun-down  till  sun-up. 
And  I  believe  the  fish  was  running  in  your  head  last  night 
before  I  went  to  bed,  for  you  were  then  snoring  and  jerking 
your  arms  about." 

"Well,  I'll  tell  you  my  other  dream,  anyhow.  I  dreamt 
(  was  walking  along  Spruce  Street  wharf  with  my  head 
Jjwn,  when  all  at  once  my  toe  struck  against  a  red  mo 
rocco  pocket-wallet ;  I  stooped  down  and  picked  it  up  and 
put  it  in  my  pocket,  and  went  home  before  I  looked  to  see 
what  was  in  it." 


A   NARRATIVE.  225 

"Well,  what  was  in  it  when  you  did  look?"  asked 
Glenn. 

"  TheT-e  was  a  one  thousand  dollar  note  on  the  Bank  of 
the  United  States,  with  the  president's  and  cashier's  names 
on  it,  all  genuine.  Oh,  I  was  so  happy !  I  put  it  in  my 
vest-pocket  and  sewed  it  up." 

"  But  what  have  you  done  with  it  since  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"I — Hang  it !  it  was  only  a  dream  !"*  said  Joe,  uncon 
sciously  feeling  in  his  empty  pocket. 

"But  what  has  that  dream  to  do  with  the  fish?"  pur 
sued  Glenn. 

"I'll  tell  you,"  said  Joe.  "  When  I  got  up  in  the  morn 
ing  and  discovered  it  was  a  dream,  I  slipped  on  my  clothes 
as  quickly  as  possible  and  set  off  for  the  wharf.  When  1 
got  there,  I  walked  along  slowly  with  my  head  down  till 
at  length  my  toe  struck  against  an  oyster-shell.  I  picked 
it  up,  and  while  I  was  looking  at  it,  the  captain  of  a 
schooner  invited  me  on  board  of  his  vessel  to  look  at  his 
cargo  of  oysters,  just  stolen  from  Deep  Creek,  Virginia. 
He  gave  me  at  least  six  dozen  to  eat !" 

"  And  this  makes  you  have  faith  in  such  dreams  ?" 
asked  Glenn,  striving  in  vain  to  repress  his  laughter. 

"  I  got  something  by  the  dream,"  said  Joe.  "I  had  a 
first  rate  oyster-breakfast." 

"But  what  has  all  this  to  do  with  the  fish?"  continued 
Glenn  ;  "  perhaps,  instead  of  the  fish,  you  expect  to  catch 
a  frog  this  time.  You  will  still  be  an  Irishman,  Joe.  Go 
and  try  your  luck." 

"  St.  Patrick  forbid  that  I  should  be  any  thing  else  but  an 
Irishman  !  I  should  like  to  know  if  an  Irishman  ain't  as 
good  as  anybody  else,  particularly  when  he's  born  in  Ame 
rica,  as  I  was?  But  the  dream  in  Philadelphia  did  have 
something  to  do  with  a  fish.  Didn't  I  catch  a  fish  ?  Isn't 
an  oyster  a  fish  ?  And  it  had  something  to  do  with  this 
fish,  too.  I've  been  bothering  my  head  ever  since  I  got  up 
about  vhat  kind  of  bait  to  catch  him  with,  and  I'm  sure  I 
never  would  have  thought  of  the  right  kind  if  you  hadn't 
mentioned  that  frog  just  now.  I  recollect  they  say 
that's  the  very  best  thing  in  the  world  to  bait  with  for  a 

*  Thousands  have  had  similar  dreams  about  similar  notes  since  Joe's 
dream. — Printer's  Devil. 


226  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES. 

catfinfl.  I'll  go  straight  to  the  brook  and  hunt  up  a  frog  !'' 
Saying  this,  Joe  set  out  to  execute  his  purpose,  while 
Glenn  proceeded  to  Roughgrove's  house  to  see  how  Wil 
liam  progressed  in  his  studies. 

The  intelligent  youth,  under  the  guidance  of  Rough- 
grove,  Glenn,  and  his  unwearying  and  affectionate  sister, 
was  now  rapidly  making  amends  for  the  long  neglect  of 
his  education  while  abiding  with  the  unlettered  Indians. 
He  had  already  gone  through  the  English  grammar,  and 
was  entering  the  higher  branches  of  study.  The  great  poets 
of  his  own  country,  and  the  most  approved  novelists  were 
his  companions  during  the  hours  of  relaxation ;  for  when 
the  illimitable  fields  of  intellect  were  opened  to  his  vision, 
he  would  scarce  for  a  moment  consent  to  withdraw  his  ad 
miring  gaze.  Thus,  when  it  was  necessary  for  a  season  to 
cease  his  toil  in  the  path  of  learning,  he  delighted  to  re 
cline  in  some  cool  shade  with  a  pleasing  book  in  his  hand, 
and  regale  his  senses  with  the  flowers  and  refreshing  streams 
of  imaginative  authors.  And  thus  sweetly  glided  his 
days.  Could  such  halcyon  moments  last,  it  were  worse 
than  madness  to  seek  the  wealth  and  honours  of  this  world ! 
In  that  secluded  retreat,  though  far  from  the  land  of  hia 
nativity,  with  no  community  but  the  companionship  of  his 
three  or  four  friends  and  the  joyous  myriads  of  birds — no 
palaces  but  the  eternal  hills  of  nature,  and  no  pageantry 
but  the  rays  of  the  rising  and  setting  sun  streaming  in 
prismatic  dies  upon  them,  the  smiling  youth  was  far  hap 
pier  than  he  would  have  been  in  the  princely  halls  of  his 
fathers,  where  the  sycophant  only  bent  the  knee  to  receive 
a  load  of  gold,  and  the  friend  that  might  protect  him  on 
the  throne  would  be  the  first  to  stab  him  on  the  highway. 

A  spreading  elm  stood  near  the  door  of  Roughgrove's 
house,  and  beneath  its  clustering  boughs  William  and  Mary 
were  seated  on  a  rude  bench,  entirely  screened  from  the 
glaring  light  of  the  sun.  A  few  paces  distant  the  brook 
glided  in  low  murmurs  between  the  green  flags  and  water 
violets  over  its  pebbly  bed.  The  morning  dew  yet  rested  on 
the  grass  in  the  shade.  The  soft  sigh  of  the  fresh  breeze, 
*s  it  passed  through  the  motionless  branches  of  the  towering 
elm,  could  scarce  be  heard,  but  yet  sufficed  ever  and  anon 
to  lift  aside  the  glossy  ringlets  that  hung  pendent  to  the 
maiden's  shoulders.  The  paroquet  and  the  thrush,  the  blue- 


A   NARRATIVE.  22T 

bird  and  goldfinch,  fluttered  among  the  thick  foliage  and 
trilled  their  melodies  in  sweetest  cadence  Both  the  brother 
and  sister  wore  a  happy  smile.  Happy,  because  the  inno 
cence  of  angels  dwelt  in  the  bosom  of  the  one,  and  the 
memory  of  his  guileless  and  blissful  days  of  childhood  pos  • 
sessed  the  other.  Occasionally  they  read  some  passages 
in  a  book  that  lay  open  on  Mary's  lap,  describing  the  last 
days  of  Charles  I.,  and  then  the  bright  smile  would  be 
dimmed  for  a  moment  by  a  shade  of  sadness. 

"  Oh  !  poor  man!"  exclaimed  Mary,  when  William  raad 
of  the  axe  of -the  executioner  descending  on  the  neck  of 
the  prostrate  monarch. 

"  It  is  far  better  to  dwell  in  peace  in  such  a  quiet  and 
lonely  place  as  this,  than  to  be  where  oo  many  cruel  men 
abide,"  said  William,  pondering. 

"  Ah  me  !  I  did  not  think  that  Christian  men  could  be 
so  cruel,"  said  Mary,  a  bright  tear  dropping  from  her  long 
eyelash. 

"  But  the  book  says  he  was  a  tyrant  and  deserved  to  die," 
continued  the  youth,  his  lips  compressed  with  firmness- 

"  He's  coming !"  exclaimed  Mary,  suddenly,  and  the 
pitying  thought  of  the  unfortunate  Charles  vanished  froa» 
her  mind.  But  as  she  steadily  gazed  up  the  path  a  crimson 
flush  suffused  her  smooth  brow  and  cheek,  and  she  rose 
gracefully,  and  with  a  smile  of  delight,  welcomed  Glenn  to 
the  cool  and  refreshing  shade  of  the  majestic  elm. 

"  You  have  come  too  late.  William  has  already  said 
his  lesson,  and  I'm  sure  he  knew  it  perfectly,"  said  Mary, 
half-reproachfully  and  half-pi  ay  fully. 

"  Mary  don't  know,  Mr.  Glenn ;  because  I  am  now  fur 
ther  advanced  than  she  is,"  said  William. 

"  But  what  kept  you  away  so  long  this  beautiful  morn 
ing?"  continued  the  innocent  girl.  "Don't  you  see  the 
dew  is  almost  dried  away  in  the  sun,  and  the  morning- 
glories  are  nearly  all  closed?" 

"  I  was  lingering  in  the  garden  among  the  delicate 
flowers  you  gave  me  Mary ;  and  the  green  and  golden 
humming-birds  charmed  me  so  that  I  could  not  tear  my 
self  away,"  replied  our  hero,  as  he  sat  down  between  the 
brother  and  sister. 

"  I  shall  go  with  brother  William  on  the  cliff  and  get 
«*ome  wild  roses  and  hare-bells,  and  then  all  your  humming; 


'J28  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

birds  -will  leave  you  and  stay  here  with  me,"  said  Mary, 
smiling  archly. 

"  But  you  will  be  the  prettiest  bird  among  them,  and 
flower  too,  to  my  eyes,"  said  Glenn,  gazing  at  the  clear 
and  brilliant  though  laughing  eyes  of  the  pleased  girl. 

"  If  that  were  the  case,  why  did  you  linger  so  long  in 
the  garden  ?"  asked  the  maid,  with  some  seriousness. 

"  I  should  not  have  done  so,  Mary,  but  for  Joe,  who," you 
know,  will  always  be  heard  when  he  has  any  thing  to  say; 
and  this  morning  he  had  a  ludicrous  dream  to  tell  me." 

"  I  like  Joe  a  great  deal — he  makes  me  laugh  every 
time  I  see  him.  And  you  must  tell  me  what  he  said,  and 
how  he  looked  and  acted,  that  I  may  know  whether  you 
did  right  to  stay  away  so  long,"  said  the  thoughtless  and 
happy  girl,  eager  to  listen  to  the  accents  of  the  one  whose 
approach  had  illumined  her  features  with  the  mystical  fires 
of  the  heart. 

Glenn  faithfully  repeated  every  word  and  gesture  of  his 
dialogue  witk  Joe,  and  the  unsophisticated  girl's  joyous 
laugh  rang  merrily  up  the  echoing  vale  in  sweet  accom 
paniment  with  the  carols  of  the  feathered  songsters. 

When  the  narration  ended,  they  both  turned  with  sur 
prise  to  William,  who,  instead  of  partaking  their  hilarity 
as  usual,  sat  perfectly  motionless  in  deep  thought,  regard 
ing  with  apparent  intensity  the  straggling  spears  of  grass 
that  grew  at  his  feet.  The  book  he  had  taken  up,  which 
had  dropped  from  Mary's  lap  when  she  hastily  rose  at  the 
approach  of  Glenn,  now  fell  unobserved  by  him  from  his 
relaxed  hand.  His  face  became  unusually  pale.  His 
limbs  seemed  to  be  strangely  agitated,  and  the  pulsations 
of  his  heart  were  audible. 

"What's  the  matter,  dear  brother?"  cried  Mary,  in  alarm. 
•"La-u-na — LA-U-NA  !"  he  exclaimed,  and,  sinking  softly 
down  on  his  knees,  applied  his  ear  close  to  the  ground  in  a 
listening  attitude. 

"  Dear  brother  William  !  do  tell  Mary  what  ails  you ! 
What  is  La-u-na  !"  said  the  startled  and  distressed  girl, 
with  affectionate  concern. 

"La-u-na — THE  TREMBLING  FAWN!"  cried  William, 
pantiiigly. 

"  Listen  "  said  Glenn,  checking  Mary  when  she  was 
»bout  tc  repeat  her  inquiry.  A  plaintive  flute-like  sound 


A  NARKATIVE.  229 

was  heard  at  intervals,  floating  on  the  balmy  and  almost 
motionless  air  down  the  green-fringed  vale.  At  times  it 
resembled  the  mournful  plaint  of  the  lonely  dove,  and  then 
died  away  like  the  last  notes  of  the  expiring  swan. 

Before  many  minutes  elapsed  another  sound  of  quite  a 
different  character  saluted  their  ears.  This  was  a  rustling 
among  the  bushes,  heard  indistinctly  at  first,  while  the  ob 
ject  was  far  up  the  valley,  but  as  it  approached  with  fearful 
rapidity,  the  rushing  noise  became  tremendous,  and  a  few 
moments  after,  when  the  trembling  sumachs  parted  in  view, 
they  beheld  Joe !  He  dashed  through  the  briers  interspersed 
among  the  undergrowth,  and  plunged  through  the  winding 
brook  that  occasionally  crossed  his  path,  as  if  all  surround 
ing  obstacles  and  obstructions  were  contemptible  in  com 
parison  with  the  danger  behind !  Leaping  over  intervening 
rocks,  and  flying  through  dense  clusters  of  young  trees  that 
ever  and  anon  threatened  to  impede  his  progress,  he  at 
length  reached  the  spot  where  the  little  group  still  remained 
seated.  Without  hat  or  coat,  and  panting  so  violently  that 
he  was  unable  to  explain  distinctly  the  cause  of  his' alarm, 
poor  Joe  threw  himself  down  on  the  earth  in  the  most  dis 
tressed  and  pitiable  condition. 

"What  have  you  saen?  What  is  the  cause  of  this  af 
fright?"  asked  Glenn. 

"I — oh — they — coming!"  cried  Joe,  incoherently. 

"What  is  coming?"  continued  Glenn. 

"I — Indians!"  exclaimed  he,  springing  up  and  rushing 
into  the  house. 

"They  are  friendly  Indians,  then,"  said  Mary;  "because 
the  hostile  ones  never  come  upon  us  at  this  season  of  the 
year." 

"  So  I  have  been  told,"  said  Glenn;  "but  even  the  sight 
of  a  friendly  Indian  would  scare  Joe." 

"It  is  La-u-na!"  said  William,  still  attentively  listening. 

"What  is  La-u-na f"  interrogated  Mary,  again. 

"The  Trembling  Fawn!"  repeated  William,  with  em 
phasis,  in  a  mysterious  and  abstracted  manner.  Presently 
he  stood  up  and  intently  regarded  the  dim  path  over 
shadowed  by  the  luxuriant  foliage  that  Joe  had  so  recently 
traversed,  and  an  animated  smile  played  upon  his  lips,  and 
his>  dark,  clear  eyes  sparkled  with  a  thrill  of  ecstasy. 

A    slight   female  form,  emerged  from   the  dark  green 

20 


230  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

thicket,  and  glided  more  like  a  spirit  of  the  air  than  a  hu 
man  being  towards  the  wondering  group.  Her  light  stepa 
produced  no  sound.  In  each  hand  she  held  a  rich  bouquet  of 
fresh  wild  flowers,  and  leaves  and  blossoms  were  fantastical 
ly,  though  tastefully,  arranged  in  her  hair  and  on  her  breast. 
A  broad,  shining  gold  band  decked  her  temples,  but  many 
of  her  raven  ringlets  had  escaped  from  their  confinement, 
and  floated  out  on  the  wind  as  she  sped  towards  her  beloved. 

"La-u-na!  La-u-na !"  cried  William,  darting  forward 
frantically  and  catching  the  girl  in  his  arms.  He  pressed 
her  closely  and  fondly  to  his  heart,  and  she  hid  her  face  on 
his  breast.  Thus  they  clung  together  several  minutes  in 
silence,  when  they  were  interrupted  by  Roughgrove,  whose 
attention  had  been  attracted  by  the  sudden  affright  of  Joe. 

"William,  my  dear  boy,"  said  the  grieved  old  man,  "you 
must  not  have  any  thing  to  do  with  the  Indians — you  pro 
mised  us  that  you  would  not " 

"Leave  us!"  said  the  youth,  sternly,  and  stamping  im 
patiently. 

"Do,  father!"  cried  Mary,  who  looked  on  in  tears,  a  few 
paces  apart;  "brother  won't  leave  us  again — I'm  sure  he 
won't — will  you,  William?" 

"No,  I  will  not!"  exclaimed  the  youth.  The  Indian  girl 
comprehended  the  meaning  of  his  words,  and,  tearing  away 
from  his  embrace,  stood  with  folded  arms  at  his  side,  with 
her  penetrating  and  reproachful  eyes  fixed  full  upon  him, 
while  hor  lips  quivered  and  her  breast  heaved  in  agitation. 
All  now  regarded  her  in  silence  and  admiration.  Her  form 
was  a  perfect  Inodel  of  beauty.  Her  complexion  was  but 
a  shade  darker  than  that  of  the  maidens  of  Spain.  Her 
brows  were  most  admirably  arched,  and  her  long  silken 
lashes  would  have  been  envied  by  an  Italian  beauty.  Her 
forehead  and  cheeks  were  smooth,  and  all  her  features  as 
regular  as  those  of  a  Venus.  The  mould  of  her  face  was 
strictly  Grecian,  and  on  her  delicate  lips  rested  a  half- 
formed  expression  of  sad  regret  and  firm  resolution.  Her 
vestments  were  rich,  and  highly  ornamented  with  pearls 
and  diamonds.  She  wore  a  light  snowy  mantle  made  of 
swan  skins,  on  which  a  portion  of  the  fleecy  down  remained. 
Beneath,  the  dress  was  composed  of  skins  of  the  finest 
finish,  descending  midway  between  her  knees  and  ankles, 
where  it  was  met  by  the  tops  of  the  buckskin  moccasins, 


A   NARRATIVE.  231 

that  confined  her  small  and  delicately-formed  feet.  Her 
arms,  which  were  mostly  concealed  under  her  mantle,  were 
bare  from  the  elbows  down,  and  adorned  at  the  wrists  with 
silver  bands. 

"Why,  hang  it  all!  Was  there  nothing  running  after 
me  but  this  squaw?"  asked  Joe,  who  had  ventured  forth 
again  unobserved,  and  now  stood  beside  Glenn  and  Mary. 

"Silence!"  said  Glenn. 

"  Oh,  don't  call  her  a  squaw,  Joe — she's  more  like  an 
angel  than  a  squaw,"  said  Mary,  gazing  tenderly  at  the 
lovers,  while  tears  Were  yet  standing  in  her  eyes. 

"I  won't  do  so  again,"  said  Joe,  "because  she's  the 
prettiest  wild  thing  I  ever  saw;  and  if  Mr.  William  don't 
marry  her,  I  will." 

"Keep  silent,  Joe,  or  else  leave  us,"  again  interposed 
Glenn. 

"  I'll  go  catch  my  fish.     I  had  just  four.d  a  frog,  and 

was  in  the  act  of  catching  it,  when  I  saw  the  sq the — 

Tier — and  I  thought  then  that  I  would  just  run  home  and  let 
you  know  she  was  coming  before  I  took  it.  But  I  remem 
ber  where  it  was,  and  I'll  have  it  now  in  less  than  no 
time."  Saying  this,  Joe  set  off  up  the  valley  again,  though 
not  very  well  pleased  with  himself  for  betraying  so  much 
alarm  when  there  was  so  little  danger. 

"La-u-na,  I  am  no  Indian,"  said  William,  at  length,  m 
the  language  of  her  tribe,  and  much  affected  by  her  search 
ing  stare. 

"  But  you  were  once  the  young  chief  that  led  our  war 
riors  to  battle,  and  caught  La-u-na's  heart.  I  heard  you 
were  a  pale-face  after  you  were  taken  away  from  us ;  and 
I  thought  if  you  would  not  fly  back  to  La-u-na,  like  the 
pigeon  that  escapes  from  the  talons  of  the  eagle  and  returns 
to  its  mate,  then  I  would  lose  you — forget  you — hate  you. 
I  tried,  but  I  could  not  do  it.  When  the  white  moon  ran 
up  to  the  top  of  the  sky,  and  shone  down  through  the  tall 
trees  in  my  face,  I  would  ever  meet  you  in  the  land  of 
dreams,  with  the  bright  smile  you  used  to  have  when  you 
were  wont  to  put  your  arm  around  me  and  draw  me  so 
gently  to  your  breast.  I  was  happy  in  those  dreams.  But 
they  would  not  stay.  The  night-hawk  flew  low  and  touched 
r,y  eyes  with  his  wings  as  he  flapped  by,  and  I  awoke. 
Then  my  breast  was  cold  and  my  cheeks  were  wet  The 


WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

katydids  gathered  in  the  sweet  rose-bushes  about  me  and 
sung  mournfully.  La-u-na  was  unhappy.  La-u-na  must 
see  her  Young  Eagle,  or  go  to  the  land  of  spirits.  She 
called  her  wild  steed  to  her  side,  and,  plucking  these  flow 
ers  to  test  his  fleetness,  sprang  upon  him  and  flew  hither. 
He  is  now  grazing  in  the  prairie  a"t  the  head  of  the  valley ; 
and  here  are  the  blossoms,  still  alive,  fresh  and  sweet." 
The  trembling  and  tearful  girl  then  gently  and  sadly 
strewed  the  flowers  over  the  grass  at  her  feet. 

"Sweet  La-u-na!"  cried  William,  snatching  up  the  bios 
soms  and  pressing  them  to  his  lips,  *  forgive  the  young 
chief;  he  will  still  love  you  and  never  leave  you  again." 

"No — no — no!"  said  the  girl,  shaking  her  head  in 
despair;  "the  pale  face  youth  will  not  creep  through  the 
silent  and  shady  forest  with  La-u-na  any  more.  He  will 
gather  no  more  ripe  grapes  for  the  Trembling  Fawn.  He 
will  not  bathe  again  in  the  clear  waters  with  La-u-na. 
He  will  give  her  no  more  rings  of  roses  to  put  on  her 
breast.  The  Trembling  Fawn  is  wounded.  She  must 
find  a  cool  shade  and  lie  down.  The  dove  will  perch  over 
her  and  wail.  She  will  sing  a  low  song.  She  will  close 
her  eyes  and  die." 

"Oh,  no!"  cried  William,  placing  his  arms  around  her 
tenderly,  "La-u-na  must  not  die,  or  if  she  does,  she  shall 
not  die  alone.  Why  will  not  La-u-na  dwell  with  me  among 
my  friends?"  The  girl  started  and  exhibited  signs  of 
mingled  delight  and  doubt,  and  then  replied — 

"  The  pale  maiden  would  hate  La-u-na,  and  the  gray- 
head  would  drive  her  away." 

"No,  La-u-na,"  said  William;  "they  would  all  love  you, 
and  we  would  be  so  happy!  Say  you  will  stay  with  me 
here,  and  you  shall  be  my  wife,  and  I  will  have  no  other 
love.  My  sister  is  sweet  and  mild  as  La-u-na,  and  my 
father  will  always  be  kind." 

The  dark  eyes  of  the  girl  assumed  an  unwonted  lustre, 
and  she  turned  imploringly  to  Mary,  Glenn,  and  Bough- 
grove. 

"Oh!"  cried  William,  in  his  native  tongue,  addressing 
his  white  friends;  "let  La-u-na  dwell  with  us  !  She  is  as 
innocent  as  the  lily  by  the  brook,  and  as  noble  as  a  queen 
Father,"  he  continued,  stepping  forward  and  taking  Rough- 
grove's  hand,  "you  won't  refuse  my  request!  And  you, 


"Oh.no!"  cried  William,  placing  his  arms  around  her  tenderly;  "  La-ti-na  must 
not  die;  or,  if  she  does,  she  shall  not  die  alone.  Why  will  not  La-u-na  dwell  with 
me,  among  my  friends  ?"  The  girl  started,  and  exhibited  signs  of  mingled  delight 
and  doubt. — P.  232. 


A   NARRATIVE.  233 

sister  Mary,  I  know  you  will  love  her  as  dearly  as  you  do 
me.  And  you,  my  friend,"  said  he,  turning  to  Glenn, 
"  will  soon  hear  her  speak  our  own  language,  and  she  will 
cull  many  beautiful  flowers  for  you  that  the  white  man 
never  yet  beheld.  Grant  this,"  added  the  youth,  after 
pausing  a  few  moments,  while  his  friends  hung  their  heads 
in  silence,  "and  I  will  remain  with  you  always;  but  if  you 
refuse,  I  must  fly  to  the  forest  again." 

"  Stay  !  Oh,  brother,  you  shall  not  go  !"  cried  Mary, 
and  rushing  forward,  she  threw  her  arms  round  his  neck. 
The  Indian  girl  kissed  her  pale  brow,  and  smiled  joyfullyj 
when  the  youth  told  her  that  Mary  was  his  dear  sister. 

"  He  loves  her,  and  her  affection  for  him  is  imperishable !" 
said  Glenn. 

"Arid  why  may  they  not  be  happy  together,  if  they 
dwell  with  us?"  asked  Roughgrove,  pondering. 

"  There  is  no  reason  why  they  should  not  be.  Let  us 
tell  them  to  remain  and  be  happy,"  said  Glenn. 

When  fully  informed  that  she  might  abide  with  them 
and  still  love  her  Young  Eagle,  La-u-na  was  almost  frantic 
with  ecstasy.  She  looked  gratefully  and  fondly  on  her 
new  friends,  and  pressed  their  hands  in  turn.  She  seemed 
to  be  more  especially  fond  of  Mary,  and  repeatedly  wound 
her  smooth  and  soft  arms  affectionately  about  her  waist 
and  neck. 

William  led  his  Indian  bride  to  the  seat  under  the 
spreading  green  tree,  and  signified  a  desire  to  commune 
with  her  alone.  When  seated  together  on  the  rude  bench, 
the  maiden's  hand  clasped  in  William's,  Mary  fondly  kissed 
them  both  and  withdrew  in  company  with  Roughgrove  and 
Glenn.  Roughgrove  prostrated  himself  in  prayer  when 
within  the  house.  Mary  ran  up  to  the  top  of  the  beetling 
cliff  to  cull  flowers,  and  Glenn  directed  his  steps  down  the 
valley  towards  the  river,  whither  Joe  had  preceded  him  with 
the  frog  he  had  succeeded  in  capturing. 

Glenn  was  met  about  midway  by  Joe,  who  was  return 
ing  slowly,  with  peculiar  marks  of  agitation  on  his  face. 
He  had  neither  frog,  rod,  nor  fish  in  his  hand. 

"I  thought  you  were  fishing,"  remarked  Glenn. 

"  So  I  am,"  replied  Joe  ;  "  and  I've  had  tne  greatest  luck 
you  ever  heard  of." 

"Well,  tell  me  your  success." 

20* 


284  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES  : 

"  I  had  a  bite,"  continued  he,  "in  less  than  three  minutes 
after  I  threw  in  my  hook.  It  was  a  wapper  !  When  he  took 
hold  I  let  him  play  about  awhile  with  a  slack  line,  to  be 
certain  and  get  it  well  fixed  in  his  mouth.  But  when  I  went 
to  draw  up,  the  monster  made  a  splash  or  two,  and  then 
whizzed  out  into  the  middle  of  the  river !" 

"  Where  was  the  hook  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"In  his  mouth,  to  be  sure,"  replied  Joe. 

"  And  the  line  ?" 

"  Fast  to  the  rod." 

"And  the  rod?" 

"Fast  to  the  line !"  said  Joe,  "and  following  the  fish  at 
the  rate  of  ten  knots,  while  I  stood  on  the  bank  staring  in 
utter  astonishment." 

"  Then,  where  was  your  great  success  ?"  demanded 
Glenn. 

"It  was  a  noble  bite,"  said  Joe. 

"But  you  were  the  bitten  one,"  remarked  Glenn,  scan 
ning  Joe's  visage,  which  began  to  assume  a  disconsolate 
cast. 

"  If  I'd  only  been  thinking  about  such  a  wapper,  and 
had  been  on  my  guard,"  said  Joe,  "  splash  me  if  he  should 
ever  have  got  my  rod  away  in  that  manner — I'd  have  taken 
a  ducking  first !" 

"  Have  you  no  more  lines  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"No,"  replied  Joe,  "none  but  your's." 

"  You  are  welcome  to  it — but  be  quick,  and  I  will  look 
on  while  you  have  your  revenge." 

Joe  sprang  nimbly  up  the  hill,  and  in  a  few  minutes  re 
turned  with  fresh  tackle  and  another  frog  that  he  found  on 
his  way.  They  then  repaired  to  the  margin  of  the  river ; 
but  before  Joe  ventured  to  cast  out  his  line  again  he  made 
the  end  of  the  rod  fast  to  his  wrist  by  means  of  a  strong 
cord  he  had  provided  for  that  purpose.  But  now  his  pre 
caution  seemed  to  have  been  unnecessary,  for  many  minutea 
elapsed  without  any  symptoms  of  success. 

Glenn  grew  impatient  and  retired  a  few  paces  to  the 
base  of  the  cliff,  where  ne  reclined  in  an  easy  posture  on 
some  huge  rocks  that  had  tumbled  down  from  a  great 
height,  and  lay  half-imbedded  in  the  earth.  Here  he  long 
remained  with  his  eyes  fixed  abstractedly  on  the  ejirling 
water,  and  meditated  on  the  occurrence  he  had  recently 


A-  NARRATIVE.  235 

Witnessed.  While  his  thoughts  were  dwelling  on  the  sin 
gular  affection  and  constancy  of  the  Indian  girl,  and  the 
probable  future  happiness  of  her  young  lord,  his  reflections 
more  than  once  turned  upon  his  own  condition.  The  simple 
pleasantries  that  had  so  often  occurred  between  Mary  and 
himself  never  failed  to  produce'  many  unconscious  smiles  on 
his  lips,  and  being  reciprocated  and  repeated  day  after  day 
with  increased  delight,  it  was  no  wonder  that  he  found  him 
self  heaving  tender  sighs  as  he  occasionally  pictured  her 
happy  features  in  his  mind's  eye.  He  now  endeavoured  to 
bestow  some  grave  consideration  on  the  tender  subject,,  and 
to  think  seriously  about  the  proper  mode  of  conducting 
himself  in  future,  when  he  heard  the  innocent  maiden's 
clear  and  inspiring  voice  ringing  down  the  valley  and 
sinking  in  soft  murmuring  echoes  on  the  gliding  stream. 
Soon  his  quick  ear  caught  the  words,  which  he  recognised 
to  be  a  short  ballad  of  his  own  composing,  that  had  been 
written  at  Mary's  request.  He  then  listened  in  silence, 
without  moving  from  his  recumbent  position. 

THE  CRUEL  MAIDEN. 


She  heard  his  prayer  and  sweetly  smiled, 
Then  frown'd,  and  laughing  fled  away ; 
But  the  poor  youth,  e'en  thus  beguiled, 

Still  would  pray. 


He'd  won  her  heart,  but  still  she  fled, 

And  laugh'd  and  mock'd  from  dell  and  peak 

While  his  sad  heart,  that  inward  bled, 

Was  fit  to  break  1 


Where  the  bright'  waters  lead  ad  own 
The  moss-green  rocks  and  flags  among, 
He  paused — and  on  his  brow  a  frown 
Darkly  hung ! 


A  shriek  came  down  the  peaceful  vale, 
Full  soon  the  maid  yas  at  his  side, 
Her  ringlets  flowing;  and  cheeks  all  pale, 
A  willing  bride  1 


236  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 


long  remained  motionless  after  the  sounds  died 
away,  as  if  endeavouring  to  retain  the  soothing  effect  of  the 
ringing  notes  that  had  so  sweetly  reverberated  along  the 
jutting  peaks  of  the  towering  cliff! 

"I've  got  a  bite!"  exclaimed  Joe,  bending  over  the 
verge  of  the  bank  and  stretching  his  arms  as  far  as  possible 
over  the  water,  while  his  line  moved  about  in  various  di 
rections,  indicating  truly  that  a  fish  had  taken  the  hook. 

"  Hold  fast  to  the  rod  this  time,  Joe,"  remarked  Glenn, 
who  became  interested  in  the  scene. 

"  Won't  I  ?     Its  tied  fast  to  my  wrist." 

"Is  it  not  time  to  pull  him  up?"  asked  Glenn,  seeing 
that  the  fish,  so  far  from  being  conscious  of  peril,  inclined 
towards  the  shore  with  the  line  in  quest  of  more  food. 

"  Here  goes  !"  said  Joe,  jerking  the  rod  up  violently  with 
both  hands.  No  sooner  did  the  fish  feel  the  piercing  hook 
in  his  mouth  than  he  rose  to  the  surface,  and  splashing 
the  water  several  feet  round  in  every  direction,  darted 
quickly  downwards,  in  spite  of  the  strenuous  efforts  of  Joe 
to  the  contrary. 

Nevertheless,  Joe  entertained  no  fears  about  the  result  ; 
and  the  fish,  as  if  apprized  of  the  impossibility  of  capturing 
the  rod,  ran  along  parallel  with  the  shore,  gradually  ap 
proaching  the  brink  of  the  water,  and  seemingly  with  the 
intention  to  surrender  himself  at  the  feet  of  the  piscator. 
But  this  was  not  his  purpose.  When  Joe  made  another 
strong  pull,  in  the  endeavour  to  strand  him  in  the  shallow 
water,  the  fish  again  threw  up  the  spray  (some  of  which 
reached  his  adversary's  face,)  and,  turning  his  head  out 
wards,  ran  directly  away  from  the  shore. 

"Pull  him  back,  Joe  !"  said  Glenn. 

"  I  am  trying  with  all  my  might,"  replied  Joe,  "  but  he's 
BO  plaguy  strong  he  won't  come,  hang  him  !" 

"  He'll  get  away  if  you  don't  mind  !"  continued  Glenn, 
evincing  much  animation  in  his  tones  and  gestures. 

"I'll  be  drenched  if  he  does!"  said  Joe,  with  his  arm, 
to  which  the  rod  was  lashed,  stretched  out,  while  he  endea 
voured  to  plant  his  feet  firmly  in  the  sand. 

"  He'll  have  you  in  the  water  —  cut  the  rod  loose  from 
your  wrist  !"  cried  Glenn,  as  Joe's  foothold  gave  way  and 
he  was  truly  drawn  into  the  water. 

"  Oh,  good  gracious  !  I've  got  no  knife  !     Give  me  your 


A   NARRATIVE.  237 

hand !"  cried  Joe,  vainly  striving  to  untie  the  cord.  ''Help 
me!  Oh,  St.  Peter!"  he  continued,  imploringly,  as  th« 
fish  drew  him  on  in  the  water,  in  quick  but  reluctant  strides. 
"Oh!  I'm  gone!"  he  cried,  when  the  water  was  midway 
to  his  chin,  and  the  fish  pulling  him  along  with  increasing 
rapidity. 

"You  are  a  good  swimmer,  Joe — be  not  alarmed,  and 
you  will  not  be  hurt,"  said  Glenn,  half  inclined  to  laugh 
at  his  man's  indescribable  contortions  and  grimaces,  and 
apprehending  no  serious  result. 

"Ugh!"  cried  Joe,  the  water  now  up  to  his  chin,  and 
the  next  moment,  when  in  the  act  of  making  a  hasty  and 
piteous  entreaty,  his  head  quickly  dipped  under  the  turbid 
surface  and  disappeared  entirely.  Glenn  now  became 
alarmed ;  but,  when  in  the  act  of  divesting  himself  of  his 
clothing  for  the  purpose  of  plunging  in  to  his  rescue,  Joe 
rose  again  some  forty  paces  out  in  the  current,  and  by  the 
exertion  of  the  arm  that  was  free  he  was  enabled  to  keep 
his  head  above  the  water.  The  current  was  very  strong, 
and  the  fish,  in  endeavouring  to  run  up  the  stream  with 
his  prize  in  tow,  made  but  little  headway,  and  a  very  few 
minutes  sufficed  to  prove  that  it  was  altogether  unequal  to 
the  attempt.  After  having  progressed  about  six  rods,  Joe's 
head  became  quite  stationary  like  a  buoy,  or  a  cork  at  an 
chor,  and  then,  by  degrees,  was  carried  downward  by  the 
strong  flow  as  the  fish  at  length  became  quite  exhausted. 

"Now  for  it,  Joe — swim  towards  the  shore  with  him!" 
cried  Glenn. 

"  He's  almost  got  my  shoulder  out  of  place !"  replied 
Joe,  blowing  a  large  quantity  of  water  out  of  his  mouth. 

"I  see  his  fin  above  the  water,"  said  Glenn;  "struggle 
manfully,  Joe,  and  you  will  capture  him  yet!" 

"I'll  die  but  I'll  have  him  now — after  such  a  ducking 
as  this!"  said  Joe,  approaching  the  shore  with  the  almost 
inanimate  fish,  that  was  no  longer  able  to  contend  against 
his  superior  strength.  When  he  drew  near  enough  to 
touch  the  bottom,  he  turned  his  head  and  beheld  his  prize 
floating  close  behind,  and  obedient  to  his  will. 

It  required  the  strength  of  both  Glenn  and  Joe  to  drag 
tie  immense  catfish  (for  such  it  proved  to  be)  from  its  na 
tive  element.  It  was  about  the  length  and  weight  of  Joe, 
and  had  a  mouth  of  sufficient  dimensions  to  have  swal- 


288  WILD   \VESTEKN    SCENES: 

lowed  a  man's  head.  It  was  given  to  the  ferrymen,  who 
had  witnessed  the  immersion,  and  were  attracted  thither  to 
render  assistance. 

"I  suppose  you  have  now  had  enough  of  the  fish?'*  re 
marked  Glenn,  as  they  retraced  their  steps  homeward. 

"I'll  acknowledge  that  I'm  satisfied  for  the  present;  but 
I  was  resolved  to  have  satisfaction!"  replied  Joe. 

"  Yes,  but  you  have  had  it  with  a  vengeance ;  and  I  doubt 
not  that  your  apparent  contentment  is  but  cold  comfort," 
continued  Glenn. 

"I'm  not  a  bit  cold — I  shan't  change  my  clothes,  and 
I'm  ready  for  any  other  sport  you  like,"  said  Joe. 

"If  you  really  suffer  no  inconvenience  from  the  wet — 
and  this  fine  warm  day  inclines  me  to  believe  you — we  will 
take  our  guns  and  walk  out  to  the  small  lakes  on  the  bor 
ders  of  the  prairie." 

"Splash  it" — began  Joe. 

"No — duck  it,"  interrupted  Glenn. 

"  Well,  I  should  like  to  know  exactly  what  you  mean — • 
whether  you  are  in  earnest  about  going  to  the  ponds,  or 
whether  you  are  joking  me  for  getting  ducked — as  there's 
nothing  in  them  now  to  shoot  but  ducks,  and  it  may  have 
popped  into  your  head  just  because  I  had  the  ducking," 
Baid  Joe. 

"I  am  in  earnest,"  said  Glenn;  "I  do  not  wish  to  an 
noy  William,  or  to  meet  Roughgrove  and  Mary  until  their 
domestic  arrangements  are  all  completed." 

"  That's  strange,"  said  Joe. 

"What's  strange?"  asked  Glenn,  quickly. 

"  Why,  your  not  wanting  to  meet  Miss  Mary.  I  say  it 
is  most  mysteriously  strange,"  replied  Joe. 

"  Say  nothing  more  about  it,  and  think  less,"  said  Glenn, 
striding  in  advance,  while  a  smile  played  upon  his  lip. 

"But  I  can't  help  dreaming  about  it — and  my  dreams 
all  come  true,"  said  Joe. 

"What  have  you  been  dreaming — but  never  mind — 
bring  out  the  guns,"  said  Glenn,  pausing  at  the  gate  of  the 
inclosure,  and  not  venturing  to  hear  Joe  recite  the  dream 
about  himself  and  Mary. 

W'hen  possessed  of  the  necessary  implements,  they  set 
out  towards  the  groves  that  bordered  the  prairie,  among 
which  were  several  lakes  of  clear  water,  not  more  than  fifty 


A  NARRATIVE.  239 

or  sixty  paces  in  diameter,  where  the  various  wild  fowl, 
as  well  as  the  otter  and  the  muskrat,  usually  abounded. 
Our  hero  had  previously  anticipated  some  sport  of  this  na 
tore,  and  constructed  blinds  on  the  verge  of  the  lakes,  and 
cut  paths  through  the  clustering  bushes  to  reach  them 
stealthily.  The  lake  they  now  approached  was  bounded 
on  one  side  by  the  green  meadow-like  prairie,  and  fringed 
on  the  other  by  hazel  thickets,  with  an  occasional  towering 
elm  that  had  survived  the  autumnal  fires. 

The  morning  breeze  had  subsided,  and  a  delightful  calm 
prevailed.  A  thousand  wild  flowers,  comprising  every 
hue,  filled  the  air  with  delicious  fragrance,  while  no  sound 
was  heard  but  the  melody  of  happy  birds. 

"I  think  I  see  a  duck!"  whispered  Joe,  as  they  moved 
slowly  along  the  path  in  a  stooping  posture. 

"Where?"  asked  Glenn,  as  they  crept  softly  to  the  blind 
and  cast  their  eyes  over  the  clear  unruffled  water. 

"I  thought  I  saw  one  on  the  muskrat  house;  but  he  must 
have  gone  to  the  other  side,"  responded  Joe,  now  looking 
in  vain  for  it,  and  closely  scanning  the  little  hillocks  that 
had  been  thrown  up  in  the  lake  by  the  muskrats. 

"You  must  have  been  mistaken,"  said  Glenn;  "suppose 
we  go  to  the  other  lakes." 

"No,  I  wasn't  mistaken — I'd  swear  to  it — be  quiet  and 
keep  a  bright  look-out,  and  we'll  see  him  again  in  a  minute 
or  two,"  replied  Joe,  who  stood  in  an  attitude  of  readiness 
to  fire  at  an  instant's  warning. 

"What  is  that?"  asked  Glenn,  just  then  actually  observ 
ing  a  small  brown  object  moving  behind  the  hillock. 

"Wait  till  I  see  a  little  more  of  it,"  said  Joe,  with  his 
finger  on  the  trigger. 

"Don't  fire,  Joe!  its  a  man's  cap!"  exclaimed  Glenn, 
detecting  under  the  dark  brim  the  large  staring  eyes  of  a 
human  being,  apparently  evincing  a  sense  of  imminent 
peril ;  and  the  next  moment  the  muzzle  of  a  gun  pointing 
above  their  heads  came  in  view. 

"Dod  rot  it,  look  up  that  tree!" 

The  smile  that  began  to  play  on  our  hero's  features  on 
recognizing  the  voice  of  Sneak  was  quickly  dispelled  and 
succeeded  by  horror  when*  he  cast  his  eyes  upward  and 
beheld  an  enormous  panther,  stooping,  and  on  the  eve  of 
springing  upon  him ! 


240  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  Oh !"  exclaimed  Joe,  letting  his  gun  fall,  and  falling 
down  himself,  bereft  alike  of  the  power  of  escape  and  the 
ability  to  resist. 

"  Be  quiet !"  said  Glenn,  endeavouring  to  raise  his  gun, 
which  had  become  entangled  in  the  bushes ;  but  before  he 
could  execute  his  purpose  Sneak  fired,  and  the  ferocious 
animal  came  tumbling  down  through  the  branches  and  fell 
at  his  feet. 

•'Ugh!  Goodness!"  exclaimed  Joe,  his  hat  strike*, 
down  over  his  eyes  by  the  descending  panther,  and,  leap 
ing  over  the  frail  barrier  of  bushes  into  the  water,  he 
plunged  forward  and  executed  a  series  of  diving  evolutions, 
as  if  still  endeavouring  to  elude  the  clutches  of  the  carni 
vorous  beast,  which  he  imagined  was  after  him. 

"  Dod — come  out  of  the  pond  !  Its  dead — didn't  you 
hear  me  shoot?"  said  Sneak,  who  had  by  this  time  paddled 
a  little  canoe  in  which  he  had  been  seated  to  the  shore. 
But  Joe  continued  his  exercises,  his  crushed  hat  not  only 
depriving  him  of  sight,  but  rendering  him  deaf  to  the 
laughter  that  burst  from  Glenn  and  Sneak.  Sneak  ran 
round  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  lake  to  a  point  that  Joe 
was  approaching,  (though  all  unconscious  of  his  destination,} 
and  remained  there  till  the  poor  fellow  pushed  his  half-sub 
merged  head  against  the  grass,  when  he  seized  him  furiously 
and  bore  him  a  few  paces  from  the  water,  in  spite  of  hia 
cries  and  struggles. 

"/  ain't  the  painter!"  said  Sneak,  at  length  weary  of 
the  illusion,  and  dragging  Joe's  hat  from  his  head. 

"Ha!  hang  it!  ha!"  cried  Joe,  staring  at  Sneak  and 
Glenn  in  bewilderment.  "Where  is  it?"  he  cried,  when 
in  some  degree  recovered  from  his  great  perturbation. 

"Didn't  you  hear  me  shoot?  Of  course  its  dead!"  re 
plied  Sneak. 

"Which  do  you  prefer,  Joe,  ducking  or  fehinfff"  asked 
Glenn. 

"I  never  saw  a  feller  duck  his  head  so,"  said  Sneak. 

"  Ha!  ha!  ha!  you  thought  I  was  frightened,  and  trying 
to  get  away  from  the  panther !  But  you  were  much  mis 
taken.  I  was  chasing  a  muskrat— I  got  wet  in  the  river, 
and  was  determined  to  see •-" 

"You  couldn't  see  your  own  nose!"  interrupted  Sneak. 


He  plunged  forward,  and  executed  a  series  of  diving  evolutions.  -  IV  240. 


A   NARRATIVE.  241 

"  If  I  couldn't  see,  I  suppose  I  could  hear  him  run f" 
replied  Joe. 

"  You  couldn't  'ave  heard  thunder !"  said  Sneak. 

"Did  you  ever  try  it  ?"  asked  Joe. 

"No,"  replied  Sneak. 

"Then  you  don't  know,"  replied  Joe;  "and  now  I'm 
ready  to  kill  a  duck,"  he  continued,  looking  up  at  a  num 
ber  of  water-fowl  sailing  round  and  awaiting  their  departure 
to  dip  into  the  water. 

"  I  will  leave  you  here,  Joe.  When  you  hear  me  fire  at 
the  other  lake,  you  may  expect  the  ducks  that  escape  me 
to  visit  you,"  observed  Glenn,  and  immediately  after  dis 
appeared  in  the  bushes. 

"  And  I'll  take  the  painter's  hide  off,"  said  Sneak,  going 
with  Joe  to  the  blind,  where  he  quietly  commenced  his 
labour,  that  Joe's  sport  might  not  be  interrupted. 

Several  flocks  of  geese  and  ducks  yet  flew  round  above, 
and  gradually  drew  nearer  to  the  earth,  but  still  fearful  of 
danger  and  cautiously  reconnoitering  the  premises. 

"  Suppose  I  pink  one  of  them  on  the  wing  ?"  said  Joe, 
looking  up. 

"  I  don't  believe  you  kin"  said  Sneak,  as  he  tugged  at 
the  panther's  hide. 

"  Wait  till  they  come  round  the  next  time,  and  I'll  show 
you — so  look  out,"  said  Joe. 

"  I'll  not  look — there's  no  occasion  for  my  seeing — I'm 
not  after  a  muskrat,"  responded  Sneak,  stripping  the  skin 
from  the  animal,  and  laughing  at  his  own  remark.  When 
the  ducks  came  round  again,  Joe  fired,  and  sure  enough 
one  of  them  fell — descending  in  a  curve  which  brought  it 
directly  on  Sneak's  cap,  knocking  it  over  his  eyes. 

"  Dod  rot  it!  hands  off,  or  I'll  walk  into  you!"  exclaimed 
Sneak,  rising  up  in  a  hostile  attitude. 

"  Good !  that's  tit  for  tat,"  cried  Joe,  laughing,  as  he 
loaded  his  gun. 

"You  didn't  do  it  a  purpose,"  said  Sneak,  "nor  I  won't 
jump  into  the  water  nother." 

"  Yes  I  did  !"  continued  Joe,  much  pleased  at  the  occur 
rence. 

"  You  didn't  do  any  sich  thing — or  we'd  haffe  to  figUi ; 
but  nobody  could  do  sich  a  thi^;  only  by  accident.  You'd 

better  loifid  your  gun,  and  be  ready  by  the  time  the  next 

21 


242  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES! 

comes,"  added  Sneak,  again  tearing  asunder  the  panther's 
skin. 

"I  thought  I  had  loaded,"  said  Joe,  forgetting  he  had 
performed  that  operation,  and  depositing  another  charge  in 
his  old  musket. 

Presently  Glenn's  gun  was  heard,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
an  immense  flock  of  geese  and  ducks,  mingled  together, 
flew  over  the  bushes  and  covered  the  face  of  the  lake. 
Joe  very  deliberately  fired  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  the 
rebound  of  his  gun  throwing  him  against  Sneak,  who  was 
still  in  a  stooping  posture,  they  both  fell  to  the  ground. 

"  I  did  that  on  purpose,  I'll  take  my  oath — I  knew  you 
had  put  in  two  loads,"  said  Sneak,  rising  up. 

"  Yes,  but  I  ain't  hurt — falling  over  you  saved  me,  or 
else  I'd  a  thrashed  you  or  got  a  thrashing,"  replied  Joo, 
his  good  humour  recovered  on  beholding  some  fifteen  or 
twenty  dead  and  wounded  ducks  and  geese  on  the  surface 
of  the  water.  By  the  time  he  had  collected  his  birds,  by 
means  of  Sneak's  canoe,  Glenn,  who  had  met  with  the 
like  success,  emerged  from  the  bushes  on  the  opposite 
verge  of  the  lake,  bearing  with  him  his  game.  Being  well 
satisfied  with  the  sport,  he  and  Joe  retraced  their  steps 
homeward. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  bright  morning — Sneak's  visit — Glenn's  heart — The  snake  hunt — 
Love  and  raspberries — Joe  is  bitten — His  terror  and  sufferings — 
Arrival  of  Boone — Joe's  abrupt  recovery — Preparations  to  leave  the 
west — Conclusion. 

THE  sun  rose  the  next  morning  in  unusual  glory.  Not 
a  breath  of  air  stirred  the  entranced  foliage  of  the  dark 
green  trees  in  the  valleys,  and  the  fresh  flowers  around  ex- 
baled  a  swtfet  perfume  thaty*emained  stationary  over  them.' 
The  fawn  stood  perfectly  stm  in  the  grassy  yard,  and  seemed 
So  contemplate  the  grandeur  of  the  enchanting  scene.  The 


A    NARRATIVE.  243 

atmosphere  was  as  translucent  as  fancy  paints  the  realms 
of  the  blest,  and  quite  minute  objects  could  be  distinctly 
seen  far  over  the  river  many  miles  eastward.  Nor  were 
any  sounds  heard  save  the  occasional  chattering  of  the 
paroquet  in  the  dense  forest  across  the  river,  a  mile  dis 
tant,  and  yet  they  appeared  to  be  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 
The  hounds  lay  extended  on  the  ground  with  their  eyes 
open,  more  in  a  listless  than  a  watchful  attitude.  The 
kitten  was  couched  on  the  threshold  (the  door  having  been 
left  open  to  admit  the  pure  air,)  and  looked  thoughtfully  at 
the  rising  sun.  The  large  blue  chanticleer  was  balanced 
on  one  foot  with  an  eye  turned  upwards  as  if  scanning  the 
heavens  to  guard  against  the  sudden  attack  of  the  far-seeing 
eagle.  Nature  seemed  to  be  indulging  in  a  last  sweet 
morning  slumber,  if  indeed  not  over-sleeping  herself,  while 
the  sun  rose  stealthily  up  and  smiled  at  all  her  charms 
exposed ! 

"  Hillo  !  ain't  you  all  up  yit?  Git  up,  Joe,  and  feed  your 
hoss.es,"  cried  Sneak,  approaching  the  gate  on  the  outside, 
and  thus  most  unceremoniously  dispelling  the  charm  that 
enwrapped  the  premises. 

"  Who's  there  ?"  cried  Joe,  springing  up  and  rubbing 
his  eyes. 

"  It's  me — dod,  you  know  who  I  am.  Come,  open  the 
gate  and  let  me  in." 

"What's  the  matter,  Sneak?  Are  the  Indians  after  you?" 
said  Joe,  running  out,  but  pausing  at  the  gate  for  an  answer 
before  he  drew  back  the  bolt. 

"No — I  thought  you  had  sense  enough  by  this  time  to 
know  no  Indians  ain't  going  to  come  this  time  a-year.  Lot 
rne  in !"  added  he,  impatiently. 

"  What  are  you  doing  with  them  long  sticks  ?"  asked 
Joe,  opening  the  gate  and  observing  two  hickory  poles 
in  Sneak's  hand.  "Are  you  going  to  try  your  luck 
.fishing?" 

"  No,  nor  ducking  nother,"  replied  he,  sarcastically. 

"Plague  it,  Sneak,"  said  Joe,  deprecatingly,  "never 
mind  that  affair;  you  were  mistaken  about  my  being  fright 
ened.  The  next  chance  I  get  I'll  let  you  see  that  I'm  not 
afraid  of  any  thing." 

"  Well,  I  want  you  to  g<^with  me  on  a  spree  this  morning 
that'll  try  you." 


244  WILD   WESTERN   SCENES: 

"  What  are  you  going  to  do  ?"  asked  Joe,  with  some 
curiosity  in  his  looks. 

"  I'm  going  a  snaking,"  said  Sneak. 

At  this  juncture  the  dialogue  was  arrested  by  the  appear 
ance  of  Glenn,  whose  brow  was  somewhat  paler  than  usual, 
and  wore  an  absent  and  thoughtful  cast;  yet  his  ab 
stract  meditations  did  not  seem  altogether  of  a  painful 
nature. 

"  Joe,"  said  he,  "  I  want  you  to  exercise  the  horses  more 
in  the  prairie.  They  are  getting  too  fat  and  lazy.  If  they 
cannot  be  got  on  the  boat  when  we  leave  here,  we  will  have 
to  send  them  by  land  to  St.  Louis." 

"  Dod — you  ain't  a  going  to  leave  us  ?"  cried  Sneak. 

"  Well,  I  thought  something  was  in  the  wind,"  said 
Joe,  pondering  ?  "  but  it  '11  break  Miss  Mary's " 

"  Pshaw !"  replied  Glenn,  quickly  interrupting  him ; 
"you  don't  know  what  you  are  talking  about." 

"Well,  I  can't  say  I  do  exactly,"  said  Joe;  "but  I 
know  its  a  very  mysterious  matter." 

"  What  is  such  a  mysterious  matter?"  asked  Glenn, 
smiling. 

"  Why,  you — Miss  Mary" — stammered  Joe. 

"  Well,  what  is  there  mysterious  about  us  ?" 

"  Hang  it,  you  know  !"  replied  Joe. 

"Pshaw  !"  repeated  Glenn,  striding  out  of  the  inclosure, 
and  descending  the  path  leading  to  Roughgrove's  house, 
whither  he  directed  Joe  to  follow  when  he  had  galloped  the 
horses. 

"  Have  you  got  any  licker  in  the  house  ?"  asked  Sneak, 
staving  at  the  retreating  form  of  Glenn. 

"  No — its  all  gone.     Why  do  you  ask  ?"  returned  Joe. 

"Becaise  that  feller's  drunk,"  said  Sneak,  with  a  pecu 
liar  nod. 

"No  he  ain't — he  hasn't  drunk  a  drop  for  a  month." 

"Then  he's  going  crazy,  and  you'd  better  keep  a  sharp 
\ook-out." 

'  "I  know  what's  the  matter  with  him — he's-  in  love!" 
aid  Joe. 

"  Then  why  don't  he  take  her  ?"  asked  Sneak. 

"I  don't  know,"  replied  Joe;    "maybe  he  will,  some 
iay.    Now  for  a  ride — how  are^you,  Pete  ?"  he  continued, 


1    NARRATIVE.  245 

opening  th^  utable  door  and  rubbing  the  pony's  head  that 
was  instantly  thrust  out  in  salutation. 

"  I'll  ride  the  hoss,"  said  Sneak. 

"Will  you?  I'm  glad  of  it,"  said  Joe,  "for  that'll 
save  me  the  trouble  of  leading  him." 

"  That's  jest  what  I  come  for,"  said  Sneak,  "  becaiee 
this  hot  morning  the  snakes  are  too  thick  to  fight  'em  on 
foot." 

"  Can  you  see  many  of  them  at  a  time  ?" 

"  Well,  I  reckon  you  kin." 

"  Won't  they  bite  the  horses  ?" 

"No,  the  bosses  knows  what  a  snake  is  as  well  as  a 
man,  and  they'll  keep  a  bright  eye  for  'emselves,  while  we 
siave  out  their  brains  with  our  poles,"  said  Sneak. 

In  a  few  minutes  the  companions  were  mounted,  and 
with  the  fawn  skipping  in  advance,  and  the  hounds  in  the 
rear,  they  proceeded  gayly  out  toward  the  prairie  on  a 
making  expedition. 

The  sunlight  was  now  intensely  brilliant,  and  the  atmo 
sphere,  though  laden  with  the  sweet  perfume  of  the  count 
less  millions  of  wild  flowers,  began  to  assume  a  sultriness 
that  soon  caused  the  horses  and  hounds  to  loll  out  their 
tongues  and  pant  as  they  bounded  through  the  rank  grass 
Ere  long  the  riders  drew  near  a  partially  barren  spot  in  the 
prairie,  where  from  some  singular  cause  the  grass  was  not 
more  than  three  inches  high.  This  spot  was  circular, 
about  fifty  paces  in  diameter,  and  in  the  centre  was  a  pool 
of  bright  water,  some  fifty  feet  in  circumference.  The 
grass  growing  round  this  spot  was  tall  and  luxuriant,  and 
terminated  as  abruptly  at  the  edge  of  the  circle  as  if  a 
mower  had  passed  along  with  his  sharp  scythe. 

"  Sneak,  I  never  saw  that  before,"  said  Joe,  as  they 
ttpproached,  while  yet  some  forty  paces  distant.  "  What 
does  it  mean  ?" 

"You'll  see  presently,"  said  his  companion,  grasping 
more  firmly  the  thick  end  of  his  rod,  as  if  preparing  to 
deal  a  blow.  "  When  I  was  out  here  this  morning,"  he 
continued,  "  they  were  too  thick  for  me,  and  I  had  to  make 
tracks." 

"  What  were  too  thick  for  you  ?"  asked  Joe,  with  a  sin 
gular  anxiety,  and  at  the  same  time  reining  in  h»s  pony. 
"  VVh}',  the  snaken,"  said  Sneak  with  much  deliberation 
21* 


246  WILD   WEFTERtt   SCENES: 

"  I  was  a-foot    then,  and  from  the  style    in  which  thej 
whizzed  through  the  grass,  I  was  afraid  too  many  might 
git  on  me  at  a  time  and  choke  me  to  death.     But  now  I'm 
ready  for  'em  ;  they  can't  git  us  if  we  manage  korect." 
"  I  won't  go  !"  said  Joe. 

"  Dod,  they  ain't  pisen!"  -said  Sneak;  "they're  nearly 
all  black  racers,  and  they  don't  bite.  Come  on,  don't  be 
suuh  a  tarnation  coward;  the  rattlesnakes,  and  copper 
heads,  and  wipers,  wont  run  after  us ;  and  if  they  was  to, 
they  couldn't  reach  up  to  our  legs.  This  is  a  glorious  day 
for  snaking — come  on,  Joe  !" 

Joe  followed  at  a  very  slow  and  cautious  pace  a  few 
steps  farther,  and  then  halted  again. 

"  What're  yxm  stopping  for  agin  ?"  asked  Sneak. 
"  Sneak,  the  pony  ain't  tall  enough  !" 
"  That's  all  the  better,"  replied  Sneak  ;  "you  can  whack 
'em  easier  as  they  run — and  then  they  can't  see  you  as  fur 
as  they  kin  me.     I'll  swap  bosses  with  you." 

"No  you  won't!"  replied  Joe,  whipping  forward  again. 
But  he  had  not  advanced  many  seconds  before  he  drew  up 
once  more.  This  time  he  was  attracted  by  the  unaccount 
able  motions  of  the  fawn,  a  short  distance  ahead.  That 
animal  was  apparently  striking  some  object  on  the  ground 
with  its  feet,  and  ever  and  anon  springing  violently  to  one 
side  or  the  other.  Its  hair  stood  erect  on  its  back,  and  it 
assumed  a  most  ferocious  aspect.  Now  it  would  run  back 
toward  the  men  a  moment,  and,  wheeling  suddenly,  again 
leap  upon  the  foe,  when  its  feet  could  be  heard  to  strike 
against  the  ground ;  then  it  plunged  forward,  and  after 
nrxking  a  spring  beyond,  would  return  to  the  attacif. 

u  Here,  Ringwood  !  Jowler  !"  cried  Joe,  and  the  hounds 
r^n  forward  to  the  spot  pointed  out  to  them.  But  no  sooner 
had  they  gone  far  enough  to  see  the  nature  ot  the  enemy 
that  the  fawn  was  attacking,  than  they  tuined  away  af 
frighted,  and  with  their  tails  hanging  down  retreated  from 
the  scene  of  action. 

They  rode  up  and  surveyed  more  clo&ely  the  strange 
battle.  The  fawn,  becoming  more  and  more  enraged,  did 
not  suspend  hostilities  at  their  approach.  They  paused  in 
voluntarily  when,  within  a  few  feet  of  the  object,  which 
proved  to  be  a  tremendous  rattlesnake,  some  five  feet  in 
tength,  and  as  thick  as  a  man's  arm.  It  \vas  nearly  dead, 


It  grew  weaker  and  weaker,  and  finally  turned  over  on  its  back. — P  247 


A    NARRATIVE.  247 

Its  body,  neck,  and  head,  exhibited  many  bloody  gashes  cut 
by  the  sharp  hoofs  of  the  fawn.  Every  time  the  fawn 
sprang  upon  it,  it  endeavoured  in  vain  to  strike  its  fangs  into 
its  active  foe,  which  sprang  away  in  a  twinkling,  and  before 
it  could  prepare  to  strike  again,  the  fatal  hoofs  would  inflict 
another  wound  on  its  devoted  head.  It  grew  weaker  and 
weaker,  and  finally  turned  over  on  its  back,  when  the  in 
furiated  deer,  no  longer  compelled  to  observe  cautionary 
treasures,  soon  severed  its  head  entirely  from  the  body  and 
stood  over  it  in  triumph. 

"Pete  can  do  that  if  a  deer  can  !"  said  Joe,  somewhat 
emboldened  at  the  death  of  so  formidable  a  reptile,  and  be 
holding  the  fixed  though  composed  gaze  of  the  pony  as  he 
stood  with  his  head  turned  sideways  towards  the  weltering 
snake. 

"  Sartinly  he  kin,"  said  Sneak,  standing  up  in  his  stir 
rups,  and  stretching  his  long  neck  to  its  utmost  tension  to 
see  if  any  snakes  were  in  the  open  area  before  them. 

"Do  you  see  any,  Sneak?"  asked  Joe,  now  grasping  his 
rod  and  anxious  for  the  fray. 

"  I  see  a  few — about  forty,  I  guess,  lying  in  the  sun  at 
the  edge  of  the  water." 

"  Sneak,  there's  too  many  of  them,"  said  Joe. 

"  Dod — you  ain't  a  going  to  back  out  now,  I  hope. 
Don't  you  see  your  pony  snuffing  at  'em  ?  He  wants  to 
dash  right  in  among  'em." 

"  No  he  don't,"  said  Joe — "  he  don't  like  the  smell,  nor 
I  either — faugh  !" 

"  Why,  it  smells  like  May-apples — I  like  it,"  said  Sneak; 
"but  there  ain't  more  than  one  or  two  copper-heads  there 
— they're  most  all  racers.  Come  on.  Joe — we  must  gallop 
right  through  and  mash  their  heads  with  our  sticks  as  we 
pass.  Then  after  a  little  while  we  must  turn  and  dash 
back  agin — that's  the  way  to  fix  'em." 

"  You  must  go  before,"  said  Joe. 

The  number  that  Sneak  mentioned  was  not  exaggerated. 
On  the  contrary,  additions  were  constantly  made  to  the 
number.  The  surface  of  the  pool  was  continually  agitated 
by  the  darting  serpents  striking  at  the  tadpoles  and  frogs, 
while  on  the  margin  many  were  writhing  in  various  fantas 
tic  contortions  in  their  sports.  Nearly  all  of  them  wer<» 
large,  and  some  could  not  have  been  less  than  eleven  feel 


248  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES  : 

long.  They  were  evidently  enjoying  the  warm  rays  of  the 
Bun,  and  at  times  skipped  about  with  unwonted  animation. 
Now  one  of  the  largest  would  elevate  his  hlack  head  some 
four  feet  from  the  ground,  while  the  others  wrapped  them 
selves  around  him,  and  thus  formed  the  dark  and  horrid 
spectacle  of  a  pyramid  of  snakes  !  Then  falling  prostrate 
with  their  own  weight,  in  less  than  a  twinkling  they  were 
dispersed  and  flying  over  the  smooth  short  grass  in  every 
direction,  their  innumerable  scales  all  the  time  emitting  a 
low  buzzing  sound  as  they  ran  along.  Every  moment 
others  glided  into  the  area  from  the  tall  grass,  and  those  as 
sembled  thither  rushed  towards  them  in  a  body  to  manifest 
a  welcome. 

"Now's  the  time!"  cried  Sneak,  rushing  forward,  fol 
lowed  by  Joe.  When  Joe's  eyes  fell  upon  the  black  mass 
of  sexpents,  he  made  a  convulsive  grasp  at  the  reins  with  an 
involuntary  resolution  to  retreat  without  delay  from  such  a 
frightful  sceae.  But  the  violence  of  his  grasp  severed  the 
reins  from  the  bit,  and  the  pony  sprang  forward  after  the 
steed,  being  no  longer  subject  to  his  control !  There  was 
no  retreating  now  !  Sneak  levelled  his  rod  at  a  cluster  just 
forming  in  a  mass  two  feet  above  the  ground,  and  crushed 
the  hydra  at  a  blow !  Joe  closed  his  eyes,  and  struck  he 
knew  not  what — but  Sneak  knew,  for  the  blow  descended 
on  his  head — though  with  feeble  force.  In  an  instant  the 
horsemen  had  passed  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  area  and 
halted  in  the  tall  grass.  Looking  back,  they  beheld  a  great 
commotion  among  the  surviving  snakes.  Some  glided  into 
the  pool,  and  with  bodies  submerged,  elevated  their  heads 
above  the  surface  and  darted  out  their  tongues  fiercely. 
Others  raced  round  the  scene  of  slaughter  with  their  heads 
full  four  feet  high,  or  gathered  about  the  dead  and  dying, 
and  lashed  the  air  with  their  sharp  tails,  producing  sounds 
like  the  cracking  of  whips.  The  few  copper-heads  and 
rattlesnakes  present  coiled  themselves  up  with  their  heads 
in  the  centre  in  readiness  to  strike  their  poison  into  what 
ever  object  came  within  their  reach. 

So  sudden  had  been  the  onset  of  the  horsemen  that  the 
surprised  serpents  seemed  to  be  ignorant  of  the  nature  of 
the  foe,  and  instead  of  flying  to  the  long  grass  to  avoid  a 
recurrence  of  bloodshed,  they  continued  to  glide  round  the 
pool,  while  their  number  increased  every  moment. 


A   NARRATIVE.  249 

''  Whal'd  you  hit  me  on  the  head  for?"  asked  Sneak, 
after  regarding  the  snakes  a  moment,  and  then  turning  to 
Joe,  the  pony  having  still  kept  at  the  heels  of  the  steed  in 
Bjite  of  his  rider's  efforts  to  the  contrary. 

"Oh,  Sneak,"  cried  Joe,  in  tones  somewhat  tremulous, 
"  do,  for  goodness'  sake,  let  us  go  away  from  here !" 

"  I  sha'n't  do  any  such  thing — what'd  you  hit  me  on 
the  head  for?" 

"I  thought  I  was  a  killing  a  sqake,"  replied  Joe. 

"Do  I  look  like  a  snake?"  continued  Sneak,  turning 
round,  when  for  the  first  time  he  discovered  the  condition 
of  his  companion's  bridle. 

"  Sneak,  let's  ride  away !"  said  Joe. 

"  And  leave  all  them  black  sarpents  yander  poking  out 
their -tongues  at  us  ?  I  won't  go  till  I  wear  out  this  pole 
on  'em.  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  I  thought  you  hadn't  spunk  enough 
to  gallup  through  'em  on  your  own  accord,"  said  Sneak, 
looking  at  the  pony,  and  knowing  that  he  would  follow  the 
steed  always,  if  left  to  his  own  inclination. 

"  Come,  Sneak,  let's  go  home !"  continued  Joe,  in  a 
supplicating  tone. 

"  Come  !  let's  charge  on  the  snakes  agin  !"  said  Sneak, 
raising  the  rod,  and  fixing  his  feet  in  the  stirrups. 

"  Hang  me  if  I  go  there  again !"  said  Joe,  throwing 
down  his  rod. 

"You're  a  tarnation  coward,  that's  what  you  are!  But 
you  can't  help  yourself,"  replied  Sneak. 

"  I'll  jump  off  and  run  !"  said  Joe,  preparing  to  leap  to 
the  ground. 

"  You  jest  do  now,  and  you'll  have  forty  sarpents  wrap 
ped  round  you  in  less  than  no  time." 

At  that  moment  two  or  three  racers  swept  between  them 
with  their  heads  elevated  as  high  as  Joe's  knees,  and  en 
tered  the  area. 

"  Oh  goodness  !"  cried  Joe,  drawing  up  his  legs. 

"  Git  down  and  git  your  pole,"  said  Sneak. 

"  I  wouldn't  do  it  if  it  was  made  of  gold !" 

"  If  you  say  you'll  fight  the  snakes,  I'll  git  it  for  you— 
I'm  a  going  to  stay  here  till  they're  all  killed,"  continued 
Sneak. 

"  Give  it  to  me,  then — I'll  smash  their  brains  out  the 
next  time!"  said  Joe,  with  desperate  determination. 


250  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  But  you  musn't  hit  me  agin  !"  said  Sneak,  dismount 
ing  and  handing  up  the  weapon  to  Joe,  and  then  leaping 
on  the  steed  again. 

"  Sneak,  you're  no  better  than  a  snake,  to  bring  me  into 
Guch  a  scrape  as  this  !"  said  Joe,  leaning  forward  and 
scanning  the  black  mass  of  serpents  at  the  pool. 

In  a  few  minutes  they  whipped  forward,  Sneak  in  ad 
vance,  and  again  they  were  passing  through  the  army  of 
snakes.  This  time  Joe  did  good  service.  He  massacred 
one  of  the  coiled  rattlesnakes  at  a  blow,  and  his  pony 
kicked  a  puffing  viper  to  atoms.  Sneak  paused  a  moment 
at  the  pool,  and  dealt  his  blows  with  such  rapidity  that 
nearly  all  the  black  racers  that  survived  glided  swiftly  into 
the  tall  grass,  and  one  of  the  largest  was  seen  by  Joe  to 
run  up  the  trunk  of  a  solitary  blasted  tree  that  stood  near 
the  pool,  and  enter  a  round  hole  about  ten  feet  from  the 
ground. 

But  if  the  serpents  were  mostly  dispersed  from  the  area 
around  the  pool,  they  were  by  no  means  all  destroyed  ; 
and  when  the  equestrians  were  again  in  the  tall  grass,  they 
found  them  whizzing  furiously  about  the  hoofs  of  their 
horses.  Once  or  twice  Sneak's  horse  sprang  suddenly  for 
ward  in  pain,  being  stung  on  the  ham  or  shoulder  by  the 
tails  of  the  racers  as  they  flew  past  with  almost  inconceiv 
able  rapidity. 

"  Oh  !  St.  Peter  !  Sneak  !"  cried  Joe,  throwing  back  his 
head,  and  lifting  up  his  knees  nearly  to  his  chin. 

"  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  did  one  of  'em  cut  you,  Joe  ?  They 
hurt  like  fury,  but  their  tails  ain't  pisen.  Look  what  a 
whelk  they've  made  on  the  hoss." 

"^Sneak,  why  don't  you  get  away  from  this  nasty  place ! 
One  of  them  shot  right  over  the  pony's  neck  a  while  ago, 
and  came  very  near  hitting  me  on  the  chin." 

"  You  must  hit  'em  as  they  corne.  Yander  comes  one 
— now  watch  me  !"  Saying  this,  Sneak  turned  the  steed 
83  as  to  face  a  tremendous  racer  about  forty  paces  distant, 
that  was  approaching  with  the  celerity  of  the  wind  with  its 
head  above  the  tall  grass.  When  it  came  within  reach  of 
his  rod,  he  bestowed  upon  it  a  blow  that  entirely  severed 
the  head,  and  the  impetus  with  which  it  came  caused  the 
oody  to  fly  over  the  steed,  and  falling  upon  the  neck  of  the 
pony,  with  the  life  yet  remaining  (tor  they  are  constrictors,) 


A   NARRATIVE.  251 

instantly  wrapped  In  a  half  dozen  folds  around  it !  Pete 
(Snorted  aloud,  and,  springing  forward,  ran  a  hundred  paces 
with  all  the  fleetness  of  which  he  was  capable.  But  being 
unable  to  shake  off  the  terrible  incumbrance,  with  hia 
tongue  hanging  out  in  agony,  he  turned  back  and  ran  di 
rectly  for  the  horse.  When  he  came  up  to  the  steed,  he 
pushed  his  head  under  his  neck,  manifesting  the  greatest 
distress,  and  stamping  and  groaning  as  if  becoming  crazed. 

"  Dod  !  let  me  git  hold  of  him  !"  cried  Sneak,  bending 
forward  and  seizing  the  snake  by  the  tail.  The  long  head 
less  body  gave  way  gradually,  and  becoming  quite  relaxed 
fell  powerless  and  dead  to  the  iarth. 

"  Oh,  Sneak,  let's  go  !"  said  Joe,  trembling,  his  face  hav 
ing  turned  as  pale  as  death  while  Pete  was  dashing  about 
in  choking  agony  under  the  tight  folds  of  the  serpent. 

"  Smash  me  if  I  go  as  long  as  there's  a  snake  left !" 
replied  Sneak,  striking  down  another  huge  racer;  but  this 
one,  having  its  back  broken,  remained  stationary. 

Thus  he  continued  to  strike  down  the  snakes  as  long  as 
any  remained  on  the  field  ;  and,  as  they  became  scarce, 
Joe  grew  quite  valorous,  and  did  signal  service.  At  length 
the  combat  ceased,  and  not  a  living  serpent  could  be  seen 
running. 

"  Sneak,  we've  killed  them  all — huzza !"  cried  Joe, 
flourishing  his  rod. 

"Yes,  but  you  didn't  do  much — you're  as  big  a  coward 
as  ever." 

"  Oh,  I  wasn't  afraid  of  them,  Sneak,"  said  Joe  ;  "  I 
was  only  a  little  cautious,  because  it  was  the  first  time  I 
ever  went  a  snaking." 

"  Yes,  you  was  mighty  cautious  !  if  your  bridle  hadn't 
broke,  you'd  have  been  home  long  ago." 

"Pshaw,  Sneak!"  said  Joe;  "you're  much  mistaken. 
But  how  many  do  you  think  we've  killed  ?" 

"  I  suppose  about  a  quarter  of  a  cord — but  I've  hoard 
tell  of  men's  killing  a  cord  a  day,  easy." 

"  You  don't  say  so  !  But  how  does  it  happen  so  many 
are  found  together  ?  When  I  go  out  I  can  never  find  more 
than  a  dozen  or  so." 

"  There's  i  snake  den  under  that  clear  place,"  'jaid 
bneak,  "  where  they  stay  all  winter — but  its  not  -^  big  a 
ien  is  some  I've  seen." 


252  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  I  don't  want  to  see  more  than  I  have  to-day  '"  said 
Joe,  whipping  past  the  steed  as  they  started  homewards 
having  mended  his  bridle.  But  as  he  paced  along  by  the 
decayed  tree  mentioned  above,  he  saw  the  glistening  eyes 
of  the  large  racer  peering  from  the  hole  it  had  entered, 
and  he  gave  it  a  smart  blow  on  the  head  with  his  rod  and 
spurred  forward.  The  next  moment,  when  Sneak  came 
up,  the  enraged  serpent  sprang  down  upon  him,  arid  in  a 
twinkling  wound  himself  tightly  round  his  neck  !  Sneak's 
eyes  started  out  of  his  head,  and  being  nearly  strangled 
he  soon  fell  to  the  earth.  Joe  looked  on  in  amazement, 
but  was  too  much  frightened  to  assist  him.  And  Sneak, 
unable  to  ask  his  aid,  only  turned  his  large  eyes  implor 
ingly  towards  him,  while  in  silence  he  vainly  strove  to  teai 
.away  the  serpent  with  his  fingers.  He  thrust  one  hand  in 
his  pocket  for  his  knife,  but  it  had  been  left  behind  !  He 
then  held  out  his  hand  to  Joe,  and  in  this  dumb  and  piteous 
manner  begged  him  to  lend  him  his  knife.  Joe  drew  it 
from  his  pocket,  but  could  not  brace  his  nerves  sufficiently 
to  venture  within  the  suffocating  man's  reach.  At  length 
he  bethought  him  of  his  pole,  and  opening  the  blade  thrust 
it  in  the  end  of  it  and  cautiously  handed  it  to  Sneak. 
Sneak  immediately  ran  the  sharp  steel  through  the  many 
folds  of  the  snake,  and  it  fell  to  the  ground  in  a  dozen 
pieces  !  The  poor  man's  strength  then  completely  failed 
him,  and  he  rolled  over  on  his  back  in  breathless  exhaus 
tion.  Joe  rendered  all  the  assistance  in  his  power,  and 
his  companion  soon  revived. 

"Dod  rot  your  skin  !"  exclaimed  Sneak,  getting  up  and 
seizing  Joe  by  the  collar. 

"Hang  it,  it  wasn't  me!  it  was  the  snake!"  said  Joe, 
extricating  his  neck  from  his  companion's  grasp. 

"  What'd  you  hit  the  sarpent  for  ?" 

"Why,  I  wanted  to  kill  him." 

"  Then  why  didn't  you  help  me  to  get  it  away  from  my 
neck  ?" 

"  You  didn't  asJc  me,"  said  Joe,  with  something  like  in 
genuousncss^  though  with  a  most  provoking  application. 

"  I  couldn't  speak  !  The  tarnation  thing  was  squeezing 
my  neck  so  tight  I  couldn't  say  a  word.  But  I  looked  at 
you,  and  you  might  'ave  understood  me.  Never  mind, 
you'll  git  a  snake  hold  of  you  some  of  these  days." 


A    NARRATIVE.  253 

"  I'll-  keep  a  sharp  look  out  after  this,"  said  Joe.  "Bat 
Sneak,  I'll  swear  now  you  were  not  born  to  be  hung." 

"  You  be  dod  rot !"  replied  Sneak,  leaping  on  the  steed, 
and  turning  towards  the  river. 

"  I  would  have  cut  him  off  myself,  Sneak,"  said  Joe, 
musing  on  the  odd  affair  as  they  rode  briskly  along,  "  if  I 
hadn't  been  afraid  of  cutting  your  throat.  I  knew  you 
wasn't  born  to  be  hung." 

"  Ha !  ha !  ha !  that  was  the  tightest  place  that  ever  I  was 
in,"  said  Sneak,  regaining  his  good  humour,  and  diverted 
at  the  strange  occurrence. 

"Didn't  he  bite  you?"  asked  Joe. 

"  No,  a  black  snake  can't  bite — they  havn't  got  any  fangs. 
If  it  had  been  a  rattlesnake  or  a  viper,  I'd  been  a  gone 
chicken.  I  don't  think  I'll  ever  leave  my  knife  behind 
again,  even  if  I  wasn't  to  go  ten  steps  from  home.  Dod — 
my  neck's  very  sore." 

The  companions  continued  the  rest  of  the  way  in  silence. 
When  they  reached  home,  and  returned  the  horses  to  the 
stable,  they  proceeded  down  the  path  to  Roughgrove's  house 
to  report  their  adventure. 

Glenn  and  Mary,  William  and  La-u-na,  were  seated  un 
der  the  spreading  elm-tree,  engaged  in  some  felicitous  con 
ference,  that  produced  a  most  pleasing  animation  in  their 
features. 

Mary  immediately  demanded  of  Joe  a  recital  of  his  ad 
ventures  that  morning.  He  complied  without  reluctance, 
and  his  hearers  were  frequently  convulsed  with  laughter 
as  he  proceeded,  for  he  added  many  embellishments  not 
narrated  by  the  author.  Sneak  bore  their  merriment  with 
stoical  fortitude,  and  then  laughed  as  heartily  as  themselves 
at  his  own  recent  novel  predicament. 

La-u-na  asked  Sneak  if  he  had  been  bitten  by  any  of  the 
poisonous  snakes.  Sneak  of  course  replied  in  the  nega 
tive,  but  at  the  same  time  desired  to  know  the  name  of 
the  plant  that  was  used  by  the  Indians  with  universal 
success  when  wounded  by  the  fangs  of  the  rattlesnake. 
The  girl  told  him  it  was  the  white  plantain  that  grew  in 
the  prairies. 

"I'll  go  and  get  some  right  straight,"  said  Joe,  "because 
I  don't  know  what  moment  I  may  be  bitten." 

"Never  mind  it,  Joe,"  said  Glenn,  rising.    "Wo  are  now 


254  WILD    WESTERN    SCEKErft 

going  to  gather  wild  raspberries  on  the  cliff  south  of  ua. 
and  we  want  you  and  Sneak  to  assist  us." 

"  Well — I  like  raspberries,  and  they  must  be  ripe  by  this 
time,  if  the  chickens  havn't  picked  them  all  before  us." 

"Dod — if  the  chickens  have  ett  'em  can  that  make  'em 
green  agin  ?"  replied  Sneak  to  Joe's  Irishism. 

"  You'd  better  learn  how  to  read  before  you  turn  critic," 
said  Joe,  taking  up  the  baskets  that  had  been  brought  out 
of  the  house.  He  then  led  the  way,  quarrelling  all  the 
time  with  Sneak,  while  Glenn,  placing  Mary's  arm  in  his, 
and  William  imitating  the  example,  followed  at  a  distance 
behind. 

When  the  party  reached  the  raspberry  thicket,  they  found 
truly  that  the  fowls  were  there  before  them,  though  quite  an 
abundance  of  the  delicious  berry  still  remained  untouched. 
A  few  moments  sufficed  to  drive  the  feathered  gatherers 
away,  and  then  without  delay  they  began  to  fill  their  bas 
kets. 

Many  were  the  hearty  peals  of  joyous  laughter  that  rang 
from  the  innocent  lovers  while  momentarily  obscured  by 
the  green  clustering  bushes.  Ere  long  they  were  dispersed 
in  various  parts  of  the  thicket,  and  Glenn  and  Mary  being 
separated  from  the  rest,  our  hero  seized -the  opportunity  to 
broach  a  tender  subject. 

"Mary,"  said  he,  and  then  most  unaccountably  paused. 

"Well,"  said  she  turning  her  glorious  dark  blue  eyes 
full  upon  him. 

"  I  have  something  of  moment  to  say  to  you,  if  you  will 
listen  attentively — and  I  know  not  a  more  fitting  time  and 
place  than  this  to  tell  it.  Here  is  a  natural  bower  sur 
rounded  by  sweet  berries,  and  shielded  from  the  sun  by  the 
fragant  myrtle.  Let  us  sit  on  this  mossy  rock.  Will  you 
listen  ?"  he  continued,  drawing  her  close  to  his  side  on  the 
seat  in  the  cool  retreat. 

"  Have  I  ever  refused  to  listen  to  you  ?  do  I  not  love  to 
iiear  your  voice  ?"  said  the  confiding  and  happy  girl. 

"  Bless  you,  Mary — my  whole  heart  is  yours !"  exclaimed 
5ur  hero,  seizing  a  rapturous  kiss  from  the  coral  lips  of  the 
inaidar..  Mary  resisted  not,  nor  replied;  while  tears,  but 
not  of  grief,  glistened  on  her  dark  lashes. 

"  You  will  not  reject  uiy  love,  Mary  ?  Why  do  you 
weep  V" 


A   NARRATIVE.  255 

"It  is  with  joy — my  heart  is  so  happy  that  tears  gush 
oat  in  spite  cf  me !" 

"  Will  you  then  be  mine  ?"  continued  Glenn,  winding  hia 
arm  round  her  yielding  waist. 

"  Forever  !"  she  replied,  and,  howing  her  head  slightly, 
•a  shower  of  dark  silken  tresses  obscured  her  blushing  face, 
and  covered  our  hero's  panting  breast.  Thus  they  remained 
many  moments  in  silence,  for  their  feelings  were  too  bliss 
ful  for  utterance. 

"  Are  you  always  happy,  Mary  ?"  said  Glenn,  at  length, 
taking  her  little  white  hand  in  his. 

"  No  !'   she  replied,  with  a  sigh. 

"Why?" 

"  When  you  are  away,  I  sometimes  fear  the  Indians — or 
a  snake — or — or  something  may  harm  you,"  said  she,  fal- 
teringly. 

"  I  thank  thee,  Mary,  for  thinking  of  me  when  I  am 
away." 

"  I  always  think  of  thee  !"  said  she. 

"Always,  Mary?" 

"  Ay,  by  day — and  thou  art  ever  with  me  in  my 
dreams." 

"And  I  will  be  with  thee  always !" 

"  Do  !"  said  she. 

"  But  dost  thou  not  sometimes  repine  that  thy  life  is  thus 
spent  in  the  wilderness  far  from  the  busy  world  ?" 

"  I  sometimes  wish  I  could  see  the  beautiful  cities  I  read 
of — but  when  I  think  of  the  treacheries  and  miseries  of  the 
world,  I  look  at  the  pure  fresh  flowers,  and  list  to  the  sweet 
birds  around  me,  and  then  I  think  there  is  more  happiness 
to  be  enjoyed  here  than  anywhere  else." 

"And  such  is  truly  the  case,"  said  Glenn,  pondering 
"But  then,  Mary,  we  all  have  obligations  to  discharge. 
We  were  created  for  society — to  associate  with  our  species, 
and  while  mingling  with  kindred  beings,  it  is  our  duty  to 
bestow  as  many  benefits  on  them  as  may  be  within  the 
flcope  of  our  power." 

"You  think,  then,  we  should  leave  our  western  home?" 
she  asked,  with  undisguised  interest. 

"Wilt  thou  not  consent  to  go?" 

"If  you  go,  I  will  go  !"  said  she. 


256  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

"  And  now  I  declare  I  will  not  go  unless  thou  art  will 
ing." 

"But  is  it  a  duty?"  she  asked.  ' 

"Your  fa — Mr.  Roughgrove  says  so." 

"  Then  let  us  go  !     But  why  did  you  not  say  father  f" 

"  He  is  not  your  father." 

"  No !"  exclaimed  the  maid,  turning  pale. 

"  I  will  tell  thee  all,  Mary."  And  Glenn  related  the 
story  of  the  maiden's  birth.  "Now,  Mary,"  he  continued, 
"  thou  knowest  thine  own  history.  Thou  art  of  a  noble 
race,  according  to  the  rules  of  men — nay,  thy  blood  is  roja) 
— if  thou  wouldst  retract  thy  plighted  faith  (I  should  have 
told  thee  this  before,)  speak,  and  thy  will  shall  be  done  !" 

"  Oh  !  Charles  !  I  am  thine,  THINE  OXLY,  were  I  born  an 
angel !"  she  cried,  throwing  herself  into  his  arms.  At  thia 
juncture  a  violent  rustling  was  heard  in  the  bushes  not  far 
distant,  and  the  next  moment  Joe's  voice  rang  out, 

"Oh  me  !  Oh  St.  Peter!  Oh  murder!  murder!  murder!" 
cried  he.  Instantly  all  the  party  were  collected  round  him. 
He  lay  in  a  small  open  space  on  the  grass,  with  his  basket 
bottom  upward  at  his  side,  and  all  the  berries  scattered  on 
the  ground. 

"What  is  the  matter  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"Oh,  I'm  snake-bitten!  I'm  a  dead  man !  I'm  dying!" 
cried  he,  piteously. 

"That's  a  fib,"  said  Sneak,  "bekaise  a  dead  man  can't 
De  a  dying." 

"  Let  me  see,"  said  William,  stooping  down  to  examine 
the  place  on  which  Joe's  hands  were  convulsively  pressed. 
With  some  difficulty  he  pulled  them  away,  and  tearing  down 
the  stocking,  actually  saw  a  small  bleeding  puncture  over 
the  ankle  bone ! 

"  What  kind  of  a  snake  was  it  ?"  asked  Glenn  in  alarm 

"  A  rattlesnake — Oh  !" 

"Did  you  see  it?"  continued  Glenn,  knowing  Joe's  foi 
ble,  though  it  was  apparent  he  suffered  from  some  kind  of 
a  wound. 

"  I  heard  it  rattle.  Oh,  my  goodness  !  I'm  going  fast ! 
I'm  turning  blind !" 

La-u-na  told  him  to  run  to  the  house  and  cover  the 
Wound  with  salt,  and  remain  quiet  till  Sneak  could  obtain 
some  plantain  *eayes  from  the  prairie.  Joe  sprang  up  and 


A    NARRATIVE.  257 

rushed  Jown  the  hill.  Sneak  set  out  in  quest  of  the  anti 
dote,  and  the  rest  directed  their  steps  homeward. 

When  they  reached  Roughgrove's  house,  they  found  Jol 
lying  in  the  middle  of  the  floor  on  his  back,  and  groaning 
most  dolefully.  He  had  applied  the  salt  to  the  wound  as 
directed,  and  covered  it  and  his  whole  leg  so  plentifully 
with  bandages  that  the  latter  seemed  to  be  as  thick  as  his 
body. 

"  How  do  you  feel  now,  Joe  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  I'm  a  dead  man  !"  said  he. 

La-u-na  told  him  not  to  be  alarmed,  and  assured  him 
there  was  no  danger. 

"  But  I'll  die  before  Sneak  can  get  back !" 

"Your  voice  is  too  strong  to  fear  that,"  said  William; 
"but  do  you  suffer  much  pain  ?" 

"  Oh,  I'm  in  agony  !"  said  he,  rolling  back  his  eyes. 

"  Where  does  the  pain  lie  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"  Oh,  St.  Peter  !  all  over  me  !  In  my  toes,  ankles,  legs, 
arms,  heart,  throat,  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes  !  Oh,  I'm  in 
tortures  !  I'm  blind — I  can't  see  any  of  you  !" 

At  this  moment  Roughgrove,  who  had  been  over  the 
river  on  a  visit  to  Boone,  entered  the  apartment  with  the 
renowned  hunter  at  his  side.  When  fully  informed  of  the 
circumstances,  Boone  stooped  down  and  felt  Joe's  pulse. 

"  The  strokes  are  irregular,"  said  Boone. 

"  Oh  heaven  !"  exclaimed  Joe. 

"But  that  may  be  caused  by  fright,"  continued  Boone. 

"  Oh  goodness  !  it  ain't  that — I'm  a  dying  n:an  !" 

"Is  the  leg  much  swollen?"  asked  Boone,  endeavouring 
to  ascertain  without  taking  off  the  bandages. 

"  Oh  !  oh  !  don't  do  that !  it  '11  kill  me  in  a  minute — for 
its  swelled  fit  to  burst !"  cried  Joe,  shrinking  from  Boone's 
grasp. 

"  All  the  cases  of  snake-bite  that  I  have  seen  differ  from 
this.  I  have  always  found  the  swollen  limb  neaily  devoid 
of  feeling.  Did  you  kill  the  snake  ?" 

"No— Oh!" 

"  Tell  me  precisely  the  place  where  you  were  standing 
when  it  bit  you — there  is  a  mystery  about  it  that  I  must 
solve." 

"Oh — it  was — I  can't  speak!  my  breath's  g')ing  fast! 
Oh  !  Paternoster " 

22* 


258  WILD   WESTERN    SCENES: 

William  then  described  the  spot  to  Boone  in  such  precise 
terms  that  the  old  woodman  declared  he  would  immediately 
repair  thither  and  endeavour  to  find  the  snake.  He  ac 
cordingly  set  out  in  the  direction  indicated  without 
further  delay;  while  Roughgrove,  believing  that  pool 
Joe  was  really  on  the  verge  of  eternity,  strove  to  com 
fort  his  departing  spirit  with  the  consolation  that  religion 
affords. 

"  Oh  !  that  ain't  the  right  one  !"  exclaimed  Joe,  pushing 
away  the  Episcopal  prayer-book  held  by  Roughgrove. 

"Then  here  is  one  you  cannot  object  to,"  said  Rough- 
grove,  opening  the  Bible. 

"  Oh,  that's  not  it,  either !"  cried  Joe,  in  great  distress. 
"Is  there  no  priest  in  this  region?  I'm  a  Roman  Catholic 
—oh  !" 

"  Can  you  not  confess  your  ,sins  directly  to  God — the 
God  who  is  everywhere,  and  governs  all  things?"  said  the 
aged  man,  impressively,  and  with  animation. 

"I  have  prayed,"  said  Joe;  "but  now  I  want  the  oint 
ment  !" 

"Your  body,  which  must  be  placed  in  the  damp  cold 
earth,  needs  no  oil.  It  is  far  better  to  purify  the  soul,  which 
perishes  not,"  said  Roughgrove,'  in  fervent  and  tremulous 
tones. 

"  Oh  ! — Oh  !  Ugh  !"  cried  Joe,  in  a  deep  guttural  voice, 
and  turning  over  on  his  face.  His  fears  had  evidently  been 
increased  by  the  solemn  tone  and  look  of  Roughgrove. 

"  Don't  be  alarmed,  Joe,"  said  Glenn,  turning  him  again 
on  his  back.  "  Sneak  will  soon  be  here,  and  La-u-na  says 
the  plantain  will  be  sure  to  cure  you.  William  tells  me 
that  he  has  seen  the  Indians  permit  the  snakes  to  bite  them 
for  a  mere  trifle  in  money,  so  certain  were  they  of  being 
restored  by  the  plant.  And  indeed  he  never  knew  a  bite 
to  terminate  fatally." 

"But  I'm  afraid  Sneak  won't  come  in  time,"  replied 
Joe,  somewhat  comforted. 

"  Pshaw  !  he  won't  loiter  in  a  case  of  this  kind — he  knows 
it  is  no  joke,''  continued  Glenn. 

"  But  suppose  he  can't,  find  any  plantain — then  I'm  dead 
to  a  certainty  !  Oh  me  !" 

"Does  the  pain  increase  much?"  asked  Mary. 

"  Oh,  yes  !  its  ten  times  worse  than  it  was  ten  minutes 


A    NARRATIVE  259 

age  ?  I'm  going  fast — I  can't  move  either  leg  now,"  he 
continued,  in  a  weak  utterance. 

Glenn  grew  uneasy.  Joe  was  pale — very  pale,  and 
breathed  hard. 

Boone  entered,  with  a  smile  on  his  lip. 

"  Have  you  got  the  plantain  ?"  asked  Joe,  in  feeble 
accents,  with  his  languid  eyes  nearly  closed,  thinking  it 
w^as  Sneak. 

"  Sit  up  and  tell  me  how  you  feel,"  said  Boone,  in  vain 
striving  to  repress  his  smile. 

"  Oh,  St.  Peter !  I  haven't  strength  enough  to  lift  my 
hand,"  said  Joe,  his  eyes  still  closed. 

"  Did  you  find  the  snake  ?"  asked  Glenn. 

"Yes,"  replied  Boone.  Joe  groaned  audibly.  "I  will 
tell  you  all  about  it,"  he  continued;  "I  found  the  spot 
where  Joe  had  been  gathering  the  berries,  and  tracked  him 
without  difficulty  to  every  bush  he  visited  by  the  bruised 
grass  under  his  foot-prints.  At  length  I  came  to  the  cluster 
of  bushes  where  he  received  the  wound.  I  stood  in  his 
cracks  and  saw  where  he  had  plucked  the  raspberries.  When 
about  to  cast  down  my  eyes  in  quest  of  the  snake,  suddenly 
I  felt  a  blow  on  my  own  ankle  !" 

"Did  the  same  snake  bite  you?"  asked  Mary,  quickly. 

"Yes,"  replied  Boone,  still  smiling.  Joe  opened  his 
eyes,  and  after  gazing  a  moment  at  Boone,  asked  him  if 
he  did  not  suffer  much  pain. 

"  Fully  as  much  as  you  do — but  hear  me  through.  I 
sprang  back  with  some  violence,  I  admit,  but  I  did  not  run 
away.  Lifting  my  cane,  I  returned  with  a  determination 
to  kill  the  snake.  I  stooped  down  very  low  to  ascertain 
the  precise  position  of  its  head,  which  was  concealed  by  a 
large  mullen  leaf — I  saw  its  eyes  and  its  bill " 

"  What !"  exclaimed  Joe,  rising  up  on  his  elbow  with 
unwonted  vigour,  and  his  eyes  riveted  on  the  speaker. 

"Yes,  its  bill,"  continued  Boone.  "And  while  my  cane 
was  brandished  in  the  air  and  about  descending  on  its  de 
voted  head,  a  low  clucking  arrested  my  arm,  and  approach 
ing  closer  to  it  than  before,  and  gazing  steadfastly  a  mo 
ment,  I  lowered  my  cane  to  its  usual  position,  and  fell 
back  laughing  on  the  grass  among  the  raspberries  you  had 
dropped." 

"  Mr.  Boone — Mr.  Boone  !"  cried  Joe,  springing  up  iu  a 


260  WILD    WESTERN    SCENES: 

Bitting  attitude,  and  seizing  the  hand  of  the  veteran,  **  fo? 
Heaven's  sake  tell  me  what  it  was  ?" 

"It  was  an  old  SITTING  HEN!"  said  Boone. 

"  Upon  your  honour?"  continued  Joe,  leaping  upon  his 
feet,  and  staring  the  aged  hunter  in  the  face,  while  his  eyeff 
gleamed  with  irrepressible  hope  and  anxiety. 

"It  was  nothing  else,  upon  my  honour,"  replied  Bcone, 
laughing  in  concert  with  the  rest. 

"Huzza!  huzza!!  huzza!!!"  shouted  Joe,  casting  the 
bandages  hither  and  thither,  and  dancing  nimbly  over  the 
floor.  "  Fal-de-lal — tider-e-i — tider-e-o — tider-e-um !'  he 
continued,  in  frenzied  delight,  and,  observing  Sneak  at  the 
door  with  an  armful  of  plantain  (who  had  returned  in  time 
to  witness  his  abrupt  recovery,  and  now  continued  to  regard 
him  with  wonder  and  doubt — at  times  thinking  he  was  de- 
lirous,)  skipped  up  and  held  out  both  hands,  as  if  inviting 
him  to  dance. 

"  Dod  rot  it,  your  leg  ain't  swelled  a  bit !"  said  Sneak. 

"Don't  use  that  bad  word,  Sneak,"  said  Mary. 

"I  won't — but  dod — he's  had  me  running  all  over " 

"  Tider-e-i — tider-e-um  !"  continued  Joe,  still  dancing, 
while  the  perspiration  streamed  over  his  face. 

"Have  done  with  this  nonsense,  Joe!"  said  Glenn,  "or 
else  continue  your  ridiculous  exercises  on  the  grass  in  the 
yard.  You  may  rejoice  now,  but  this  affair  will  be  sport 
for  others  all  your  life.  You  will  not  relish  it  so  much 
to-morrow." 

"  I'd  rather  all  the  world  would  laugh  at  me  alive  and 
kicking,  than  that  one  of  you  should  mourn  over  my  dead 
body,"  replied  Joe,  leaping  over  Sneak,  who  Ayas  sitting  in 
the  door,  and  striding  to  the  grass  plot  under  the  elm, 
where  he  continued  his  rejoicings.  Sneak  followed,  and, 
sitting  down  on  the  bench  in  the  shade,  seemed  to  muse 
with  unusual  gravity  at  the  strange  spectacle  presented 
by  Joe. 

This  was  Joe's  last  wild  western  adventure.  The  inci 
dent  was  soon  forgotten  by  the  party  in  the  house.  Serious 
and  sad  thoughts  succeeded  the  mirthful  scene  described 
above.  Roughgrove  had  brought  Boone  thither  to  receive 
their  last  farewell !  The  renowned  woodman  and  warrior 
wore  marks  of  painful  regret  on  his  pale  features.  The 
«cst  M'ere  in  tears. 


A   NARRATIVE.  261 

"  William,"  said  Roughgrove,  "  listen  to  a  tale  concern 
ing  thy  birth  and  parentage,  which  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty 
to  unfold.  Your  sister  has  already  learned  the  story  from 
your  friend,  who  sits  beside  her.  But  I  will  repeat  it  to 
al:  present.  You  who  are  the  most  interested  can  then 
determine  whether  it  shall  ever  be  disclosed  to  other  ears. 
The  secret  was  long  locked  in  my  bosom,  and  it  was  once 
my  purpose  to  bury  it  with  my  body  in  the  grave.  I  pon 
dered  long  on  the  subject,  and  prayed  to  Heaven  to  be 
instructed.  I  have  satisfactory  evidence  in  my  own  heart 
that  I  have  acted  correctly."  He  then  related  the  history 
of  the  twins,  as  we  have  given  it  to  the  reader.  When 
he  concluded,  La-u-na,  who  had  betrayed  much  painful 
interest  during  the  recital,  threw  her  arms  round  William's 
neck,  and  wept  upon  his  breast. 

"  Why  do  you  weep,  La-u-na?"  asked  the  youth. 

"  La-u-na  must  die  !"  said  she  ;  "  her  William  will  leave 
her  and  forget  her.  The  wild  rose  will  bend  over  her 
grave — the  brook  will  murmur  low  at  her  cold  feet — the 
rabbit  will  nip  the  tender  grass  by  her  tombstone  at  night 
fall — the  katydid  will  chirp  over  her,  and  the  whippor- 
will  will  sing  in  vain.  William  will  forget  her !  Poor 
La-u-na !" 

"  No — La-u-na  !  no  !  Thou  shalt  go  with  me  and  be  my 
bride,  or  else  I  will  remain  with  thee  !  Death  only  shall 
separate  us  !"  said  the  youth,  drawing  the  slight  form  of 
the  Indian  maiden  closer  to  his  heart,  and  imprinting  a 
rapturous  kiss  on  her  smooth  forehead. 

"We  will  all  go  together,"  continued  Roughgrove, 
"  save  our  beloved  friend  here,  who  tells  me  that  no  earthly 
consideration  could  induce  him  to  dwell  in  cities  among 
civilized  men." 

"  True,"  said  Boone  ;  "1  would  not  exchange  my  resi 
dence  in  the  western  wilds  for  the  gorgeous  palaces  of  the 
east.  Yet  I  think  you  do  right  in  returning  to  the  society 
which  you  were  destined  to  adorn.  I  shall  grieve  Then  I 
miss  you,  but  I  will  not  persuade  you  to  remain.  Every 
one  should  act  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  conscience. 
It  is  my  belief  that  Providence  guides  our  actions.  You, 
my  friends,  were  fitted  and  designed  to  move  in  refined 
society,  and  by  your  example  and  influence  to  benefit  tho 
world  around  you.  The  benefits  bestowed  by  me  will  not 


262  WILD    WESTERN   SCENES: 

be  immediate,  nor  altogether  in  my  day.  I  am  a  PIONEER, 
formed  by  nature.  Where  I  struggle  with  the  savage  and 
the  wild  beast,  my  great  grandchildren  will  reside  in  cities. 
I  must  fulfil  my  mission." 

At  this  moment  Joe  and  Sneak  appeared  at  the  door. 

"  There's  a  covered  flat-boat  just  landed  down  at  the 
ferry,"  said  Joe. 

"  It  is  from  the  island  above,"  said  Roughgrove,  "  and 
the  one  I  have  had  constructed  for  our  voyage  down  the 
river." 

"Are  we  going,  sure  enough?"  asked  Joe. 

"Yes;  to-morrow,"  said  Glenn. 

"Dod — are  you  all  going  off?"  asked  Sneak,  rolling 
round  his  large  eyes,  and  stretching  out  his  neck  to  an  un 
usual  length. 

"All  but  me,  Sneak,"  said  Boone. 

"  And  you  won't  be  any  company  for  me.  Dod — I've 
a  notion  to  go  too !  If  I  could  foller  any  thing  to  make  a 
living  in  Fillydelfa " 

"If  you  go  with  us,  you  shall  never  want — I  will  see 
fchat  you  are  provided  for,"  said  Glenn. 

"  It's  a  bargain  !"  said  Sneak,  with  the  eager  emphasis 
characteristic  of  the  trading  Yankee. 

"But  poor  Pete — the  horses!"  said  Joe. 

"  There  are  stalls  in  the  boat  for  them,"  said  Roughgrove. 

"  Huzza  !  I'm  glad.     Huzza  !"  cried  Joe. 
******* 

The  next  morning  beamed  upon  them  in  beauty — and  in 
Badness.  The  sun  rose  in  majesty,  and  poured  his  brilliant 
and  inspiring  rays  on  peak  and  valley  and  plain.  But  the 
hearts  of  the  peaceful  wanderers  throbbed  in  sorrow  as 
they  gazed  for  the  last  time  on  the  scene  before  them. 
Though  it  had  been  identified  with  the  many  perilous  and 
painful  encounters  with  savages,  yet  the  quivering  green 
leaves  above,  the  sparkling  brook  below,  and  the  soft 
melody  of  happy  birds  around,  were  intimately  associated 
with  some  of  the  most  blissful  moments  of  their  lives. 

La-u-na  retired  to  a  lonely  spot,  and  poured  forth  a  fare 
well  song  to  the  whispering  spirits  of  her  fathers.  Long 
hsr  steadfast  gaze  was  fixed  on  the  blue  sky,  as  if  com 
muning  with  the  departed  kings  from  whom  she  descended. 
At  length  her  tears  vanished  like  a  shower  in  the  sunshine, 


A    NARRATIVE.  263 

and  a  bright  smile  rested  upon,  her  features,  as  if  her 
prajer  had  been  heard  and  all  she  asked  were  granted ! 
Prophetic  vision  !  While  the  race  from  which  she  sepa 
rated  is  doomed  to  extinction  in  the  forest,  the  blood  she 
mingled  with  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  may  yet  be  destined 
to  sway  the  councils  of  a  mighty  empire. 

William  mused  in  silence,  guarding  at  a  distance  the 
bride  of  his  heart,  and  not  venturing  to  intrude  upon  her 
devotions.  The  past  was  like  a  dream  to  him — the  present 
a  bright  vision — the  future  a  paradise ! 

Glenn  and  Mary  were  seated  together,  regarding  with/ 
impatience  the  brief  preparations  to  embark.  Boone, 
Roughgrove,  Sneak,  and  Joe  were  busily  engaged  lading 
the  vessel.  Sneak  had  hastily  brought  thither  his  effects, 
and  without  a  throe  of  regret  abandoned  his  house  for  ever 
to  the  owls.  Joe  succeeded  with  but  little  difficulty  in 
getting  the  horses  on  board.  .  The  fawn,  the  kitten,  the 
hounds,  and  the  chickens  were  likewise  taken  along. 

And  now  all  was  ready  to  push  out  into  the  current. 
All  were  on  board.  Boone  bid  them  an  affectionate  adieu 
in  silence — in  silence,  but  in  tears.  The  cable  was  loosen 
ed,  and  the  boat  was  wafted  down  on  its  journey  eastward. 
William  and  La-u-na  sat  up'on  the  deck,  and  gazed  at  the 
receding  shore,  rendered  dear  by  hallowed  recollections. 
Glenn  and  Mary  stood  at  the  prow,  and  as  they  marked 
the  fleeting  waters,  their  thoughts  dwelt  on  the  happy 
future.  Roughgrove  was  praying.  Joe  was  ct  resting  the 
pony.  Sneak  was  counting  his  muskrat  skins.  And  thus 
we  must  bid  them  adieu. 


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2151   Wild  western 


scenes 


1875 


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